Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Richmore Tera
23 July 2008
Harare — ZIMBABWE has given birth to a sungura Michael Jackson in the form of Orchestra Mberikwazvo dancer, Darlington Chabata.
Those who frequent Alick Macheso's live shows or who have watched his latest Ndezvashe-eh video might be familiar with the gangly, supple dancer going through the "Wacko Jacko" dance routines.
Popularly known by his stage name Matoki - Darlington not only imitates Michael Jackson's breakdance to accompany Macheso's sungura, but he has also gone a notch up by adding to his repertoire costume that resembles that of his American idol.
"It all started while I was in Grade Three.
"Jackson's fame as a dancer influenced me. I remember one day watching his Live in Bucharest show on television that I woke up the next day learning how to do the Moonwalking dance," recalls Darlington.
But little did Matoki dream that his passion for the breakdance among other styles would become his sole source of sustenance.
Music groups began to notice him opening up opportunities for him to showcase his skills at a higher level.
Darlington vividly recalls: "When I was in Grade Five, the late sungura musician John Chibadura spotted me dancing during one of his shows and sent his cousin Douglas Chibadura to talk to my father so that I could join the Tembo Brothers.
"My father disapproved of the idea and instead said I had to finish my education first before I could do anything else," he said.
Still, fate was to bring Douglas and Chibadura together when Matoki finally joined the Tembo Brothers as a part-time dancer during his school holidays.
Douglas says this stint with the Tembo Brothers polished him as a dancer and refined him for future prospects in his career.
"Unfortunately, Chibadura passed away at a time when he was having great plans for me.
"It was him who had shown me direction," said a crestfallen Darlington.
He however, didn't lose hope. After school in 2000, Matoki was engaged by Chazezesa Challengers, then led by the late Peter Tazvida, after he had impressed during a show that the group was holding at Nyamutamba Hotel in Chitungwiza.
"There I had the chance of rubbing shoulders with fellow band members such as Lucky Mumiriki, Obert Gomba and White Mubako (who are now all with Macheso)."
But that was not the end and hunger for greater things took him to Khiama Boys.
It was at Khiama Boys that he earned the nickname Matoki after the way he danced like a turkey.
"My breakthrough came in 2002 when I joined Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria. I was one of the 'Storkbirds' dance founder members," he said.
The urge to continuously improve saw him joining Macheso's Orchestra Mberikwazvo outfit a year later.
Asked why he has always been nomadic, Darlington said: "Mabasa edu unenge mutambi webhora, unogona kungotengwa chero neteam iri pamusoro (In our industry one is like a soccer player who can be bought by any top team).
The 28-year-old Matoki has become part of Macheso's huge entourage of loyal dancers and his breakdance has helped spice up the musician's act.
With the group, Darlington has toured South Africa, the United Kingdom and Australia.
And how does he manage to mix sungura and breakdance?
"Music is the same everywhere, it's universal and there is no big gap. Every dance fits any kind of music," explained Darlington, who is married to Gladys.
Born on October 11, 1980 in Guruve, Matoki believes that tenacity and perseverance are the key to success.
"Start small and learn, and fame and fortune will follow.
"Don't be hungry for success but emulate the long road that the gurus have travelled and you will make it."
The dancer credits his mother Rosemary for believing in him and inspiring him to pursue his talent to the uttermost.
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