Hurungwe artists you must know

By Nhau Mangirazi

Hurungwe has produced some of country artists nationally and internationally.

1-      Biggie Tembo aka Mhosva Marasha. Born on 31 October 1957, Tembo committed suicide in 1995. He was a lead vocalist and guitarist for Bhundu Boys, the first musical band to tour United Kingdom in early 1980s.

The late Biggie Tembo

His jit music includes Simbinino, Babamudiki Francis, Kuroja Chete and Kutambura among others made him popular. He was attached to his rural home under headman Nyamupfukudza, Chief Nematombo.

‘’Tembo used to sponsor school music competitions and was an inspiration to us, donating music kits to winners’’ says Rachel Matemba, a villager in Doro area. He remains an international musical hero from Hurungwe.

2- Artwell Matamba now late, was a drummer and vocalist for Hurungwe Sounds formed in 1980. He hailed from Chitimbe village, Karereshi under Chief Nematombo. He was a caretaker at Chikangwe Secondary School in Karoi. He composed a song titled Takasarudza Mutungamiriri in praise of President Robert Mugabe and it made headlines.

Admire Kasenga, now late. Born in 1970 in Karoi town and passed on in 1994. He was the lead vocalist of leader of Ngosimbi Crew formed while working in Mutoko the group that had hit songs including Aunt Rhoda, Pamuchato waTobias, and Chitima Nditakure zvangu. Kasenga hailed from Chief Chundu.

4- Prince Tendai Mupfurutsa passed on in 2011 aged 54. He was a music promoter and businessman. He came from Mupfurutsa village, Chief Nematombo. He called his music ‘’barbed wire’’.

His ‘’Character’’ song was played all night long during his funeral wake. Mourners were drawn from all over country including villagers, entertainment reporters and politicians.

Mupfurutsa initiated developmental projects for the community including sinking a borehole, grading a road and had plans to build a clinic.

5- Mitchell Jambo was born 17 October 1960 at Dadzi area in Hurungwe. He attended Karuru primary school. In 1984, he joined Sungura Boys led by late John Chibadura as a door man. He formed Marunga Brothers but later relocated to South Africa for ‘’new projects’’. Life is getting tough for Ndini Uyo hit-maker with 26 minutes, now selling discs to survive.

Lucky Mumiriki Ex Ochestra talented rhythm guitarist hails from Karuru village under Chief Chundu  

6 Joseph Soza of Tsarukano Brothers, born in Karoi in 1970, he attended Karoi high school. He was among Jambo’s band members before embarking on solo project for hit song Ndiwe Chete Mudzimai Wangu. He moved to South Africa, Soza is now a gospel musician. Born again Christian with Kingdom Ambassadors Ministers, Soza recorded his fifth album in 2013. Pastor Nathaniel Tshikororo, says Soza is ‘’one of the best gospel artists. His music is powerful and we hope many will be lured to the kingdom of God. It will touch many souls’’

7 –Tatenda Mahachi grew up in Chikangwe, Karoi. His rural home is under headman Karimudenga, Chief Kazangarare He is now an international gospel musician, invited to attend South Africa gospel music awards, will collaborate with South African musicians including Sfiso Ncwane. He has done so with Prudence Katomeni- Mbofana. Mahachi was recently appointed ambassador for Care at the Core of Humanity, a non governmental organization that champions children’s rights.

8- Talent Madiro- Born in Hurungwe Chiva area, Madiro is the only female voice of gospel music from Hurungwe. Her album Prophecy made shock waves on Radio Zimbabwe Top Twenty.  Song Neni Ndiitereiwo was rated top song beating Sebastian Magacha’s Tinoenda Kure. Tinokurumbidzai was on number 6 under Gospel Channel.  . 

9- Sodias Mutobvu a poet, who made headlines during then Radio 2’s Shona poetry program, hails from Chikova village, Chief Kazangarare. His poems include Chikomo CheHurungwe where he explains how traditional values are esteemed Hurungwe shrine.

Eliot Magunje (1965-2003), was an actor who played as ‘’Madzibaba Jazzman’’ in Paraffin drama series. Born in Magunje area where he was buried and was inspirational to many. He hailed from Karengesha village near Magunje under Chief Nematombo.  

10 Baptism of Fire theatre group

Formed in 1989 in Karambazungu, headman Mangisi, founders include Cousin Zilala, Asan Zilala (now late), Skumbuzo Sibanda, Sifelani Dube, Isaac Mabvumba and Kakhamazi Hove. Sibanda is now director for the group that advocates for children and women rights on issues of gender, poverty, and maternal health among other social topics. Have performed during international functions such as Protest Art, HIFA and attended Jaunda Arts Festival among others.

 Hurungwe Arts Festival has the potential to make dreams of upcoming artist a reality.