Online Reporter
Amos Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
FROM strumming a dusty guitar in rural Zaka to collaborating with African stars, Elphas Mashamba — better known as “Shamblo” — is fast becoming a musical force in Bulawayo.
Born on January 25, 1995 at Musiso Hospital in Jerera, Zaka (Masvingo Province), Shamblo was raised by his mother after losing his father, a talented community guitarist, at the age of eight. Though still a child, the musical legacy his father left behind echoed through two old acoustic guitars.
“A voice kept ringing in my mind saying, ‘My father used these instruments when he was alive, but what of them now?’” he recalled.
That voice turned into action in Grade Five. During a break from fieldwork, Shamblo instinctively picked up one of the guitars and began strumming. Fate intervened when his late father’s friend, Michael Chapanduka, overheard him.
“The old man tuned the guitar differently and told me to play again, but I couldn’t. I was angry. Then I watched how easily he played what I was struggling with. That day, I knew I had to learn,” said Shamblo.
Determined, he followed Chapanduka everywhere — even to ndari (traditional beer gatherings) — just to observe and practise. His mother disapproved at first, often pulling him away. But by Grade Seven, seeing his passion and strong academic performance, she relented.
After completing his O-levels, Shamblo joined the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) in 2013. It was there that his musical journey gained momentum. He joined the ZPCS Band and later the renowned ZCC Brass Band, coming under the mentorship of F.L. Changundega, the maestro who arranged Zimbabwe’s national anthem.
“Mr Changundega taught me music theory and trumpet. No one knew I played guitar until the band’s rhythm guitarist was transferred. When I stepped in, they were shocked by my skills,” he said.
At Ntabazinduna Prison Training School, under the guidance of Walters Masona, he further refined his craft and officially qualified as a band member for both ZPCS and the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA).
“ZPCS shaped my musical identity. We were trained through cover songs from all genres. That forced me to be versatile. Today, my music blends rhumba, sungura and mbaqanga into one unique sound.”
Before launching his solo career, Shamblo lent his guitar and trumpet talents to big names like Baba Harare, Obert Chari, Hilton Chimedza and Nutty O.
“I was mostly based in Harare then. Because of my ZPCS training, I could adapt to any style, and that helped me stand out,” he said.
In 2017, Shamblo took a leap of faith and began crafting his own music. He debuted with the reggae track Amai, followed by the Afro-pop hit Ndakusuwa, and then the crowd-favourite sungura song, Mafaro.
Since then, he has released 15 songs and collaborated widely. His latest singles, Fake Friends and Chikumbiro, dropped this month. His previous hit Mari featured six African artistes, including Eriki, Obert Chari, Uncle Jah (Zambia), Frets Donzvo, D.T. Bio Mudimba and Ghana’s Born One Deka.
“I wanted Mari to unite Africa through sound. The response was overwhelming — the views, the feedback — it showed the power of collaboration,” he said.
Looking ahead, Shamblo dreams of working with sungura legend Alick Macheso and icon Nicholas Zakaria.
“Collaborating with Macheso would be a life-changing moment,” he said.
To fellow rising artistes, his advice is clear: stay original and patient.
“Don’t copy. Be inspired, but find your own sound. People are tired of clones. Start small — two views can be the first step in a thousand-mile journey. Engage your fans, stay humble, and use digital marketing to grow your brand,” said Shamblo.
With his father’s legacy in hand and a passion that refuses to dim, Shamblo is strumming his way to stardom — one string at a time.
