Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube [email protected]
WESTERN Khazins founder Father K (real name Archibald Mumbamarwo) has opened up about the rise, evolution and eventual pause of the popular Bulawayo-based collective, saying the group represented more than just music, but a wider cultural movement built on fashion, dance and identity.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Father K traced the origins of Western Khazins back to the formation of 4 Couzinz in 2012.
“Western Khazins is a reformed group from 4 Couzinz, which was founded in the year 2012. The group 4 Couzinz was co-founded by Shepard Nkomo (Spiro), Innocent Ndlovu (Baba Inos), and Archibald Mumbamarwo (Sheriff Sherks/Father K). The group had 5 boys, the co-founders, Mxolisi Mlotshwa (Fastos), and Brian Mathuthu (Bravos). By then, it was a group of fashion guys following the trend of izikhothane from South Africa. Along the way, we had many recruits that led us to be a clan of Khazins having 12 members,” he said.
He said the original group later began to collapse as members relocated and pursued different paths after completing school.
“Then, in 2015, the group started falling apart, some members relocating after they had finished O-level, and so many other reasons. In 2016, I also relocated, then around August, I had a vision that led me to go back to Bulawayo and start a new group, and I named it after our old group, but I had to edit the name to Western Khazins,” he said.
According to Father K, the revival was driven by a vision to combine fashion, dance and music into one identity.
“Now, the vision was to come up with something new that focuses on fashion, dance, and music since I always had a dream of becoming a musician one day. So I groomed several boys in my hood, and they were so happy to be part of the Khazins clan,” he said.
Fashion became the group’s first signature before they later evolved into dance and eventually music.
“He said the group first built its identity through fashion, adopting straw hats and eventually embracing vintage formal wear after discovering their style closely resembled old-school vintage culture.”
The transition into music officially began in 2018 with the recording of their debut song.
“He said the group later transitioned from fashion into dance before fully venturing into music in 2018 with the recording of their first song, Umkhando ka Judas, produced by Enzo Lorenzo, leading to collaborations with various artists and performances as backing dancers before eventually focusing on their own music.”
The group’s early musical journey also produced additional material beyond their debut, with their songs now officially released and circulating among fans as part of their growing catalogue from that period.
As their popularity grew, Western Khazins became one of Bulawayo’s most recognisable youth movements through their fashion, dance routines and music collaborations.
“As Western Khazins, we have tried our best, we have made a very good name out there, we came with fire and promised to be the best next thing in Zimbabwe, and we became a threat to big artists in Bulawayo and Harare. In our music journey, we outshone the popular Zim dancehall Enzo Ishall and the hip hop star Takura. We have shared the stage with almost every great artist in Bulawayo and a number of superstars from Harare. We have travelled to so many places in a small space of 1 year. We have worked on several music videos with great artists from all over Matebeleland and Harare,” he said.
Despite the success, Father K admitted he always knew the group would eventually face change.
“In our music journey, there has always been a message that kept on coming, which says there will come a time of separation, a time of trying new things, because mostly in groups, it’s not everyone who will have the dreams of continuing with music, or art for the rest of their lives. So I always knew this time would come. So now this is our last project as Western Khazins, maybe one day things will work out and allow us to get back in the game,” he said.
He said their final project, Mabhotoro, ended up becoming the group’s farewell release instead of the comeback they had envisioned.
“He said Mabhotoro was meant to mark the return of Western Khazins, but instead became the group’s final project before taking a break. Father K explained that the song was inspired by a real-life weekend experience involving friends from Mashonaland, drinks, fun and the group’s request for ‘two bottles of gin,’ which eventually inspired the title of the track.”
Father K said the COVID-19 lockdown and the realities of adulthood eventually made it difficult for the group to continue operating as before.
“He said the Covid-19 lockdown brought major changes to the group, making rehearsals and recording difficult as members became occupied with work, families and relocation, while efforts to revive the original Western Khazins formula ultimately failed.”
He added that he eventually reached a point where he had to prioritise his personal life and family responsibilities.
“Father K said he has accepted that it is time to pause Western Khazins in order to focus on personal growth, new ideas and his responsibilities as a family man, while also giving other members time to find themselves,” he said.
Father K also spoke openly about carrying most of the group’s creative responsibility over the years.
“I have been carrying most of the responsibility in the group, from writing songs to pushing the vision forward, but over time it became difficult as members became occupied with their personal lives and jobs, leaving me feeling like I was trying to move the group forward alone,” he said.
Despite the pause, Father K said music remains central to his life as he now prepares to focus on a solo career.
“I now feel it is time to focus on myself, rebuild my music career and prepare for a solo journey as Father K. Music comes naturally to me, and I have a lot of unreleased ideas and songs that I want to explore while still maintaining the bond we share through the Khazin Empire and Vintage Culture Association,” he said.
