daniel chigunwe
Laura Maposa
HOW does fate script such incredible tales?
Thirty years ago, Leonard Karikoga Zhakata released his smash hit song “Mugove,” which was off his super album “Maruva Enyika.”
That was in 1994.
Mugove went on to finish the year as Song of the Year on the Radio Zimbabwe To 20 hits list.
It pushed classic songs like Leonard Dembo’s ‘Nzungu Ndamenya’, which finished in second place, Simon Chimbetu’s ‘Pachipamwe,’ which finished fourth and John Chibadura’s ‘Rairai Vana,’ which finished fifth, into the shade in the Top Five.
It was such a golden year for Zhakata that the third best song, ‘Mwenza,’ was also his production.
But it was Mugove, one of those songs which come once in a generation, which really catapulated him into a superstar.
He was just 26 back then and he became the youngest Zimbabwean musician to sell more than 100,000 copies of an album.
‘Maruva Enyika’ sold more than 120,000 copies.
In the song ‘Mugove’ Zhakata appears to be pleading with God to give him some reward, singing:
“Kana paine pamakandichengetera Baba
Ndokumbirawo Mugove wangu
Ndichiri kurarama Tenzi tarirai
Ndosakadzwa sechipfeko nevanemari
Ndisina changuwo”
Yesterday, exactly 30 years after this country heard those words for the first time, Zhakata was smiling yesterday after he collected his brand new Toyota Fortuner, which was donated by businessman Wicknell Chivayo.
The businessman says his latest round of car donations is part of his birthday celebrations.
He also provided similar gifts to Mai Olivia Charamba and legendary gospel musician Machanic Manyeruke for their contribution to the country’s musical industry.
There was a massive social media campaign to try and force Zhakata not to accept the gift.
However, the musician decided to do what was in his best interest, and the interest of his family, by collecting his vehicle.
Speaking at Faramatsi Motors, where he picked his new car, Zhakata said he was not around to collect his car when the news about the donations broke out.
He said he couldn’t believe it and had to send his younger brother to confirm the news.
“I had gone to work in Chipinge and the network on that side was so bad but l started to see congratulatory messages,
“I didn’t have the first-hand information, so I thought it was a prank, or people were just playing with me.
“I got back in Harare pretty late so I couldn’t come yesterday (Monday) when others collected their cars
“I couldn’t believe it and l had to send my younger brother Ben Zhakata to confirm and inform Faramatsi Motors that l would come to collect it in the morning.”
Zhakata was speechless saying the donation came when he least expected it.
“I wish l could take my heart out and give it to Sir Wicknell because this is unbelievable and I’m so happy that words are not enough.
“I’m not just thankful for myself only but l really appreciate what he did for my friend and colleague Simon Pashoma, may the Lord continue to bless you.
“May I not be the last you helped,” he said.
Chivayo said that he chose to give the vehicles to these legendary musicians because they had inspired him and his mother “during the toughest times of our lives”.
The businessman also shared personal details about his life in the social media post, including the death of his mother, Canisia Chivayo, on January 6, three years ago.
He also revealed that she had lived in Gandami, Chivhu, and that he was born in Unit J in Chitungwiza.
Online Reporter