Takawira Photoveteran Dapi
Midlands is known for its productive gold mines, but it also produces other gems in the form of Sungura musicians.
45-year-old Philemon ‘Phidza’ Matsveru and Courage ‘Kedha’ Paraziva (34) are the new kids on the block.
Phidza recently emerge onto the limelight with a track called Pepepe Chakapedza Hama. Kedha – who sounds straight out of Alick Macheso’s Orchestra Mberikwazvo – is also for to look out for.
As for Matsveru, Pepepe Chakapedza Hama became a sing along hit following the release of the four-track album Chekuchera Chineunye.
Other tracks are Rudo Ibofu, Mahumbwe and Chekuchera Chineunye.
Matsveru said: “I have five albums, Ndangariro, Rudo Vaviri, Takabva Neko, Kugara Hunzwanana and Bhora Redombo.
“We are seven members, Courage Paraziva, Nation Mapfumo and Taurai Zenda on guitars and vocals, Musa Debwe on vocals and drums, then Network and Chilli on dances.”
While their music is getting popular by the way Fidza said the group was faced with hurdles including transport and instruments.
“We got support from our philanthropist, VaJimai Muduvuri,” he said.
“I started playing guitar in 2003 when I was in form one, I was taught by one villager, Kingstone Mushoshoma, who I admired,” he said.
“I would steal from my grandmother, Rosemary Musauki, who used to sell second hand clothes so I could pay Kingstone who taught. I later received my first electric guitar from Clever Manyika who is based in Harare and now I front a group called Gwindingwi Express band, salute to Va Jimai Muduvuri who helped us to date.”
Kedha claimed he helped Mark Ngwazi, Sugar Sugar, Gift Amuli and Simon Mutambi among other popular musicians. He is married to Charity Chakanya and the couple has three children.
“Thank you to VaMuduvuri for identifying and promoting us we now able to play throughout the country,” he said.
Midlands province has given churned out some legendary artists like the late Tongai Moyo, Gift Amuli and Solo Moyo.
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