Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Ruth Butaumocho
1 August 2008
opinion
Harare — It is exactly one year since Sulumane Chimbetu broke away from his uncle Allan following a dispute between the two concerning instruments, songs, vehicles and the use of the name Orchestra Dendera Kings.
It was in August 2007 - ironically the same month that his father Simon died - when Sulumane made a decision that he could not continue to ride on the family's name, but wanted the fans to judge him for what he is by launching his solo music career.
Sulumane who calls himself Mwana weDangwe after the title of one of his late father's songs immediately launched his musical career, taking with him most of the Orchestra Dendera Kings original members.
Perceived a novice in the music industry when he made a decision to walk a lone road to fulfil his ambition of becoming a full time musician, Sulumane, has slowly built his career, achieving what several musicians took years to accomplish.
The former Airforce of Zimbabwe member already has an album to his name and it looks like he has also made a positive impression on promoters, who now consider him as a major trump card in several live shows where he is billed to perform.
Attending his shows, it is clear that he now commands a large fan base - the majority whom we don't doubt may have been his father's, but invested their faith in him as they firmly believe that the young man can continue to churn out the original dendera beat, that had been waning out when the two - Sulumane and Allan - were haggling over who should get what.
Listening to him singing one of his favourite songs, Anenge Ndiye Chopper - where he likens himself, his dressing, dancing, singing and even his aptitude to music, to his late father, one cannot miss the deep seated passion he exudes, while going through the paces with his group.
He can dance, plays the rhythm guitar just like his late block, although he still needs to improve on his singing.
While it may be folly for fans to expect the young man to continue to churn out the original dendera beat - the same way that the late Simon used to do - it has become clear that with good guidance and consistence, Sulumane is in a good position to ensure the survival of dendera music.
His deep-seated passion in music and his artistry was revealed when he released his first album - Ndomusiya Nani? barely a few months after splitting with his uncle.
The young man brew a shocker at the National Arts Merits Awards (Nama) ceremony held in February when his debut album was voted the most Outstanding Album at the awards ceremony.
Sulumane shrugged off stiff competition from such favourites as Alick Macheso, Tawanda Mutyebere and Extra Large who were also vying for honours in the same category.
To Sulumane, the award was a vote of confidence on his artistry and a recognition of his ability and the potential he possessed in the music industry.
It was also a morale booster for him, spurring him to a higher position, as he immediately increased his live shows in and around Harare.
There are however critics that the young man is not as talented, but is actually riding on people's sympathy, that may wear off, as soon as they realise that he inherited everything else except the talent.
Whatever the case may be, Sulumane still has a long road to walk before he can carve a name for himself in the book of fame.
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