When Zora brought them together

Entertainment Reporters
Leonard Karikoga Zhakata’s show at Jazz 105 on Friday night brought musicians together in a celebratory event. Suluman Chimbetu and his manager Trevor Jakachira, dancer Selemani “Majuice” Mpochi, Progress Chipfumo and his band graced the show with some of the musicians taking to the stage to give colour to the show.

Suluman took to the stage and had a dance with the experienced musician. Majuice, who is Alick Macheso’s sidekick, also brought the house down with his dances and earned showers of praise from Zhakata.

Chipfumo went on stage and took the guitar and belted his song “Mai” to everyone’s delight.
Zhakata said about Chipfumo: “I have never seen a talented guitarist like Progress. His guitar sings for him and he has all it takes to make exciting stage work.”

Most of the musicians took a break last weekend at some took time to enjoy nightlife at Zhakata’s show.
Zhakata spiced his hits with songs from his latest album “Zvangu Zvaita”.

The new release is essentially a celebratory album. The seven track CD also marks a new chapter for Zhakata both physically and spiritually. This is evident in the way he exhibited his skill and style.

Of course, Zora music, a genre he fathered hasn’t changed, still backed by the same band and executive produced by Tymon Mabaleka, the man who worked on most of his previous releases.

Unlike Zhakata of the old who sounded sorrowful on each track, my favourite thing about the new Zhakata is that he is in a happy mood. One of my earliest memories about Zhakata’s sound was the change in tempos and guitar riffs.

Quite honestly none of that is appearing on “Zvangu Zvaita” but as is the case with Zhakata it is the message that makes the new album a perfect combination of skill and style.

The new album should be recognised as a new era for Zhakata who is now a firm follower of Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa’s United Family International Church.

And it is normal to look at the album in that context where Zhakata opened up about his faith in the Lord. Though it is difficult to please everyone, Zhakata deliberately divided the album into two – for believers and non-believers. That said, “Zvangu Zvaita” might be one of his classic albums considering that he is now mature both spiritually and emotionally. Coming from a past where some of his lyrics or should I say songs that were misconstrued I think it would be fair to review the album without digging deep for all the songs are self-explanatory.

It opens with “Dollar Boy” where he urges people to put their mind on the money. But for some strange reasons he starts by saying “Zora haina zera” but later you discover that he is talking about money.

“Kuto singer signature nechemumuyo
Ikandinzvenga moyo unorwadza
Yabatika zvayo kubva patsvene Ipapo pane dollar pane power
Ipapo pane love pane power.” It is easy to see why money makes people happy. But he warns people that making money is not a crime but how one makes that money is what matters. He also says that money is the root of all problems.

The next track is “Ishe Anesu” and like the title suggests he is full praise for the Almighty Lord. He is happy that he has seen the light and that he will overcome all the evil because God is with him.

On “Dhonza Makomborero”, Zhakata continues again full of praises for the creator. It is on this track from where the album title is taken. The lyrics go:

Ndaisichemera nyasha
Nhasi chiso chinoyera chandiringa
Rukoko runoyera rwatambanuka
Ndinoreva ruoko runopukuta misodzi
Even there is any track where Zhakata displays his humility it got to be on “Dhonza Makomborero”. He talks about being blessed and having plenty where there is hinder saying with God all things are possible. He talks about good health and the gift of life as well as the foresight. The beat is mid-tempo and has that typical Zora sound of the keyboards.

“Rutendo Kunashe” is another gospel track which talks about the grace of the Lord while on “Dofo Pahunhu” talks about people who despite their well being and looks they lack that one important which is dignity. He preaches about ubuntu in short. He says people should be grateful to God.

The other two tracks “Wakarimira Vamwe” and “Chapter Yerudo” are equally enjoyable. Perhaps one thing worth noting about “Zvangu Zvaita” is about a man who has found joy in the Lord. It remains to be seen whether or not Zhakata will satisfy his hardcore fans including the Benza Brothers.