Online Reporter
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
RONALD Chiwanza, a celebrated radio personality, has paid homage to veteran broadcaster Kudzie “Mr Cool” Marudza, who recently retired after an impressive 40-year career.
Marudza celebrated his 65th birthday on December 20 last year.
In recent weeks, fans and colleagues noticed a quietness from Marudza, leading to questions about his whereabouts.
Chiwanza, who has worked with Marudza for many years, took the opportunity to pay homage to his long-time friend and mentor in an article posted on his Facebook page, reflecting on the impact Marudza has had on the broadcasting industry.
The heartfelt tribute highlights not only Marudza’s contributions over four decades but also the lasting legacy he leaves behind.
As fans and colleagues celebrate his retirement, the appreciation for his work remains strong, marking the end of an era in Zimbabwean broadcasting.
“Parting with something you hold so dearly close to your heart is very difficult to comprehend. Such is the reality for legendary radio broadcaster Kudzie ‘Mr. Kool’ Marudza as he drops the mic after four decades in the media industry.
“After more than 40 years in the game—Marudza, who joined the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation in 1981, initially as a librarian—the affable broadcaster has decided to switch focus to his other passion: farming,” Chiwanza stressed in the post.
In the same article, Chiwanza recounted how Marudza wanted to join the liberation struggle, a dream that never came to fruition.
“Despite ultimately becoming one of Zimbabwe’s most popular voices on the airwaves, Marudza’s life would have taken a different direction had things gone according to plan when he decided to join the liberation struggle in the late ’70s.
“It was in 1978, a time when droves of young men and women were joining the trek to Mozambique on a daily basis. Marudza, together with his friends from Mabvuku, also decided to join the ‘boys in the bush.’ At that time, he was working in the hospitality industry at the then Monomatapa Hotel, and one day he left home like any other day but had smuggled a few pairs of jeans and shirts.
“To his dismay, Marudza waited all day in vain for his friends, who apparently forgot about him and crossed to Mozambique,” he shared.
He continued: “A dejected Marudza went back home with his head down, but little did he know what awaited him. The man known as Mr. Kool would join the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation’s Radio 3 as a librarian on September 1, 1981. His job meant he would spend the day shuttling up and down the studios, a routine that allowed him to peek into how the veteran broadcasters at that time executed their craft.”
Chiwanza also highlighted the impact Marudza had in his rural home and the honors he received. “At one time, Marudza was so popular in his rural home of Mukarakate in Murehwa that elders encouraged him to run for a parliamentary seat, which he reluctantly turned down.
“In 2018, Capitalk FM honored Marudza with an honorary award for his contribution to the media scene, coinciding with his 60th birthday and 36 years of broadcasting at that time. He described the award as very special to him because it was a sign of appreciation for all the hard work he had put in over the years.”
Famed for grooming popular presenters like Witness Matema, Davies Mugadza, Joe Hussein, Bridgette Gavanga, Chiwanza, and many others, Marudza’s new love was also revealed in the same post. “Listeners have been wondering why I have been off air for a while. I am fine and doing well, spending more time at my plot in Murehwa. After four decades on radio, it’s high time I venture into farming, something I have always had a passion for.”
In the same article, he also revealed the names of other broadcasters he adored before he joined radio. “I loved watching Musi Khumalo, John Matinde, and especially Josh Makawa. I always wanted to be like Makawa, you know.
“Josh Makawa was something else; the passion, the drive, the knowledge of music, and the charisma. He is the best radio presenter to grace Zimbabwean airwaves as far as I am concerned.”
He also reflected on his stint after being sent to the BBC on attachment in 1995 for six months, a period he described as eye-opening and the highlight of his broadcasting career.
“It was a great experience to learn how the BBC did their thing and also to work with the presenters for six months. I shared notes with prominent presenters like Andy Kershaw and John Peel, who went on to be instrumental in promoting the Bhundu Boys and Four Brothers back then,” said Marudza.
During his heyday, Marudza popularised programs such as Afro Pop Sounds, Your Song, Midweek Party, Dairiboard Top Hits, and Hits Ville.
