Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
IN showbiz, nothing beats the power of chemistry, the right pairing and consistency.
These three pillars are often the foundation of success and sustained growth in the creative industry.
Compatibility and strong partnerships are equally important, particularly in the arts, where audiences often become attached to specific combinations of artistes.
Some pairings are so powerful that their absence is immediately felt when they fall apart.
In most cases, fans follow creatives because of the chemistry and magic they build together.
With music being one of the most followed art forms worldwide, successful collaborations and partnerships have long proved their worth, often taking the form of duos, trios, quartets and even quintets.
Across Africa, musical duos have worked wonders.
Identical twins Peter and Paul Okoye of Nigeria immediately come to mind.
The duo conquered the world together as P-Square before their much-publicised fallout in 2024, though fissures had already emerged as early as 2017.
Closer to home in South Africa, the Afro-pop duo Mafikizolo — comprising Theo Kgosinkwe and Nhlanhla Mafu — is an example of a partnership that has stood the test of time.
In Zimbabwe, the on-and-off relationship between Dino Mudondo and Willom Tight is further proof of the power of musical partnerships.
The same can be said of the Afrika Revenge duo of Willis Wataffi and Mehluli “Taz” Moyo, who split in 2006.
Nearly two decades later, people still have fond memories of the group that gave Zimbabwe the national anthem-like hit “Wanga”, a song that remains fresh in the minds of many fans.
In the sungura genre, Zimbabwe was also blessed with R&K African Sounds, a group formed in 1998 that touched the hearts of many with its hit song “Tina” .
Co-founded by Rangarirai Sagombeto and Kelvin Chikore, the group debuted the same year Alick Macheso formed Orchestra Mberikwazvo.
At one point, R&K African Sounds enjoyed immense popularity, particularly with “Tina”, the standout track from their album “Dama Rakanaka”, which announced their arrival on the music scene with aplomb.
However, the co-founders were young and fame may have gotten the better of them, resulting in splits and reunions on two occasions.
Now, the duo is back together and ready to rumble again.
According to them, their separation was not a bitter split, but rather the result of pursuing different paths after their manager relocated to Australia.
Australia-based academic, philanthropist and entrepreneur Abraham Nyanzero, who previously managed the group, has been instrumental in facilitating their reunion.
Sagombeto spoke on behalf of the group, while Nyanzero outlined his role in the new setup.
“People might call it a reunion, but we never had an acrimonious split as stakeholders were led to believe over the years,” Sagombeto told the Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
“We have always stayed in touch, but challenges arose following Abraham’s departure to Australia in the early 2000s.
“There was a shake-up and economic hardships led to the closure of some companies. Kelvin decided to go to South Africa, while I remained behind before eventually following him to Durban, where I worked.
“We have been communicating all along. In 2018, we wanted to release an album and Kevvie was supposed to come here, but he encountered obstacles, although I did record some material.”
With the other half of R&K African Sounds back home, Sagombeto revealed it was the perfect moment to carry on with their work.
“Now that he is back home — perhaps partly due to xenophobia, which may have contributed to his return — we have songs that we are working on and we have already recorded some,” he said.
“On the upcoming album, we have done two songs together so far and this Sunday (today) we are recording more.
“As for the songs he wrote, I know them and he knows mine, so this is not a new project, but one that has been in the pipeline.”
Regarding live shows, the affable vocalist revealed that the groundwork had already been laid.
“We are resuming shows next week and by the end of the week, we will hold a listening session,” he said.
“Around month-end, heading into September, we will resume live performances.
“On bass, we have Eliah Moffat, alias Shimta, while Wonder Guvheya, our longest-serving lead guitarist, remains on lead guitar. On rhythm guitar, we have Faston, Bruce and a new member.”
Sagombeto thanked their Australia-based benefactor and mentor, Nyanzero, for standing by the R&K African Sounds brand.
“We cannot thank Abraham enough for his efforts because he was always in touch with us,” he said.
“When we split, he was the one who managed to sit us down for a reunion, though we later drifted apart because it was difficult without him.
“Nyanzero is madly in love with the R&K brand and he has put a lot of effort into it.”
With expectations high among fans, the musician said they would remain as calm as ever.
“When it comes to pressure, we should have failed to handle it with our first album, whose song ‘Tina’ was embraced by many as an instant hit,” said Sagombeto.
“What has made this reunion easier is that we are all homeboys. The three of us come from Nyanga. We are one united family, but life pressures led to our temporary separation.”
In an interview, Nyanzero outlined the role he played in bringing Sagombeto and Chikore back together.
“To be honest with you, I cannot say I am the one who made this ‘reunion’ happen; I was just a catalyst who saw potential in them,” Nyanzero said from his Australian base.
“These guys badly need each other because there is always magic when they are together.
“By the way, I managed them before when they were too young.
“They still have unfinished business to fulfil and by their own admission, were longing to work together before retirement. I even helped them continue working together at a time when they released huge tracks such as ‘Question Mark’ and ‘Christmas Paruzevha’ after a previous reunion.”
Nyanzero reckons the duo might have made a mistake by parting ways just as they were gaining ground.
“R&K was and still is a popular brand that needs tweaking, which is what we are doing. At one point, we were on top of the game, touring South Africa and Botswana, where they were in high demand,” he said.
“With my experience managing the late Robbie Chagumuka and Nicholas Zakaria, I cannot afford to let this group die. Locally, R&K appeals to both big cities like Harare and rural areas like Rutenga and Nyanga. They have appeal in every corner of Zimbabwe due to their uniqueness.”
He clarified his role in the new setup.
“I am going to be a strategic partner operating in the background. We have found a better manager to run their affairs on the Zimbabwean side,” said Nyadzero.
“I urge fans and stakeholders to embrace them as they make their comeback. They were young when they made mistakes; now they are grown-ups. I cannot tell them what to do anymore.”
With the R&K reunion official, the ball is now firmly in Sagombeto and Chikore’s court to ensure continuity, while Nyanzero remains the glue binding them together.
