Itai Muzondo
Masvingo – The city of Masvingo was this year honored as the place to kick-start the annually-held Simon Chimbetu commemoration gigs with the first show being held last Saturday at Liquids Bar International.
Sulumani ‘Sulu’ Chimbetu, who is the late music guru’s oldest son, graced the commemorations in style asking revellers to write their favourite ‘Dendera Songs’ (as Chimbetu’s music brand is affectionately known), on pieces of papers which he would instantly play on live band.
Revellers said it was a great honour that the commemorations for this year began in Masvingo, breaking with the tradition of kick-starting the commemorations in Harare.
“I am glad that Sulu remembered that his father had equally important fans across the nation and honoured Masvingo by choosing it as the launching ground. He should do the same for other cities in the coming years. Above all, this has served us travelling costs which we would have incurred going to Harare to celebrate Simon’s life,” said a fan who attended the gig.
August 14, 2016 marked 12 years since Chimbetu passed on.
Fans were thrilled when Sulu sampled some of his interesting songs on his forthcoming album among them ‘Tinoda Runyaro’.
The song makes a plea with authorities to ‘think first’ and shun ‘jumping into violent actions’ when facing law and order maintenance challenges.
There were strong indications though that the album will be a critique of the current state of affairs in Zimbabwe.
The ‘Batai Munhu’ hit maker, however, shied away from disclosing the release date of the album.
“We are not far from releasing our next album. To our fans, just stay abreast for more entertaining Dendera music. We are coming on with a very album,” Sulu said.
Meanwhile, popular hits by the late Sungura veteran which include ‘Haina Window’, ‘Dzandipedza Mafuta’, ‘One Way’ and ‘Ndarangira Gamba’ kept the audience afoot throughout the chilly night.entertainment
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He who said it can not be done must not disturb the one doing it!
