Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Richmore Tera
5 October 2009
Harare — DESPITE the power struggles that have been rocking the Chimbetu music empire, Allan Chimbetu continues to be one of the few artistes who have taken Dendera music to where it is today.
That is after the passing on of the doyen of the genre -- his late elder brother and mentor -- Simon, some years ago.
Vying for the same crown of the "King of Dendera music" are of course none other than his cousins Suluman and Tryson, who have been holding their own.
But with his latest six-track offering titled Simukai, Allan is challenging the mantle that Sulumane assumed with his award-winning debut.
What is interesting about Simukai is that the artiste manages to maintain the trademark Dendera beat synonymous with Orchestra Dendera Kings (Central Committee), even going down memory lane by reminding listeners of the heydays when the Simon and Naison Chimbetu called themselves Marxist Brothers.
Although his previous offerings, Sony and Professor, impressed in a way, they however are miles behind Simukai.
The title track is a call to Dendera music fans everywhere to keep on supporting the beat that they have always loved for years.
There are certain lyrics in the song that however, sound as if they are a veiled appeal to Suluman and Tryson to cast their differences and come together and join hands in entertaining people.
"Riri kufamba Dendera kunyika dzose/ Ngatirambe takaritsigira/ Vana veDendera ngatifare tose," he sings on the song.
Reminiscent of two of his previous songs Jefferson and Rori is the track Ringo, about a person who pretends to be what he is not, despite the fact that his lover fell in love with him not for material wealth, but for what he is.
Likely to be a favourite of many during the Christmas holiday is the song Christmas that urges people to develop a sharing and loving spirit during the festivities and remember those who are less privileged.
Isabella Aheri is a lament for a lover who has since left him, and in the song he is on a quest over her whereabouts.
Mukana and Marian make up the rest of the playlist on the album that was recorded at Gramma Records.
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