Harare — SOUNDS of the Muddy Face frontman Cephas "Motomuzhinji" Mashakada is appealing for assistance to secure a new artificial leg.

"Things are not well. I am not getting high profile functions from promoters. I would love to come to Bulawayo but I just can't do so unless I am promoted," he said.

Mashakada's fortunes took a nosedive when his leg was amputated in 2006 after being diagnosed with diabetes.

However, he was lucky to get an artificial leg from a well-wisher.

Since then, he has tried to get back on his feet but he blames his not-so-successful comeback on piracy.

"My 2005 hit song Samson could have done it for me but piracy killed the dream. I haven't released anything because doing so would be a waste of resources. All that we did this year was compile a DVD album," he said.

Live performances are not what they used to be for the burly and dreadlocked musician.

"I can now perform standing but dancing is still a problem. I try to swerve from side to side. I have only one artificial leg and it is now getting worn out. If I could, I would have bought another one but they are expensive beyond my reach so if there is anyone out there willing to get me another one I would be grateful," he said.

An artificial leg that Mashakada requires costs between US$2 600 and US$2 800.

Mashakada, a father of four, says he still has to work since his children are still young and the only job he has ever known is music.

"I am still supporting young children. I have four kids and as the breadwinner I should continue working for them. Rest assured I am still in the music industry and I need support," he added.

Mashakada was born in Chinhoyi in 1960.

He teamed up with other boys from the small farming town and formed the Wild Ten in 1977.

Other members of the group were the late Biggie Tembo who later found fame with the Bhundu Boys, Jacob Teguru, Franco Kazere and the late David Ziome.

The group relocated to Harare, then Salisbury, in 1978 at the invitation of the late Paul Mpofu of the World Tomorrow Band that had toured Chinhoyi.

In Harare, the group found a base at Saratoga Night Club in Highfield, except for Biggie and Franco who would become members of the Wild Dragons that later became the Bhundu Boys.

Because they were merging two groups, the Wild Ten and World Tomorrow Band, it was decided that a new name be found and they settled for the Muddy Face.

The group was to find its success after Job Mashanda's emergence releasing such hits as Amai Mandigona, Rakabuda Zuva MuAfrica and Denga Rababa.

When Job left to pursue a solo career that did not blossom, Cephas and Mpofu produced their own hits in PaInyanga, Kilimanjaro and Nherera.

Mpofu left in the late 90s to start his own group, Zambuko Band, but Cephas remained and soldiered on.

His backing group has since been renamed Sounds of the Muddy Face.

Mashakada has recorded 15 albums in a career spanning three decades, his best seller Nyaradzo Yakaitwa was released in 2004.