Harare – The music industry in Zimbabwe is vibrant and diverse, with genres that cut across different age groups.
People have often criticised the lack of originality in most of the songs that have topped charts on the local scene, a norm that has affected our current music in terms of getting recognition internationally.
However, as the industry continues to face challenges, including limited funding, inadequate infrastructure, and piracy, which hinder artists’ growth and profitability, we still have musicians who are composing original Zimbabwean music in different genres.
The genres are Sungura, Dendera, and Chimurenga music.
To keep original Zimbabwean music genres alive, we need to strengthen music education, invest in digital platforms, and foster collaborations between artists and stakeholders that could elevate Zimbabwean music globally while preserving its rich cultural heritage.
In that context, I was listening to a local radio station when I heard a beautifully composed song which gave me a sigh as I had not listened to some new Sulumani Chimbetu’s sounds for a while.
I then increased the volume to hear more, but it was too late as the DJ had to proceed with his session.
I looked out for the album, and here is my take after repeatedly playing the whole project titled ‘Tsapo.’
Known by his legion of fans as ‘Commissioner’ and for his electrifying stage presence and signature blend of Sungura and Afro-fusion rhythms, Sulumani Chimbetu continues to uphold Chimbetu’s musical legacy while carving out his own unique path in the industry.
With Tsapo, the former Airforce of Zimbabwe officer delivers a powerful collection of tracks that reflect his maturity as a musician and his keen awareness of societal issues.
Through his lyrics, Sulu addresses a theme of resilience, love, and social commentary, all set to the infectious rhythms that have become his trademark.
On the track “Stars,” Sulumani Chimbetu cleverly taps into this generation’s fascination with horoscopes and star signs by infusing astrological themes, blending celestial mystique with his signature rhythms to create a song that resonates with both mystics and music lovers alike.
Blended with sweet melodies, “Timba” is a prayerful song that reminisces about the story of a hard-working individual who calls upon the ‘gods’ to open doors for him as he has worked so hard and is desperate for results.
Sulu slows it down on “Chihera,” a love song where he romantically expresses his unconditional love for a woman, pleading with her not to take the relationship for granted.
The Dendera king had all his fans at heart as he was working on this album.
He topped up the new album with a gospel track titled “Ngirozi”.
The song is a prayer to the Almighty to send angels to guide people through as they encounter life-threatening situations.
One would mistake the voice and deep lyrical expression on the song, “Wakaipa,” for his late father, Simon Chimbetu’s, composition, as it resembles his artistic style.
Have you ever heard Dendera music on an English tip?
Well, the song “Hartley” is an English track, which talks about heartbreak, which can automatically be equated to the youthful street lingo known as “Mjolo”
As Sulumani Chimbetu continues to evolve, Tsapo stands as a testament to his enduring talent and commitment to his art.
For those looking forward to a blissful year with marriage and wedding plans like yours truly, Sulu has us covered in the song, ‘Tiite Tiite.’
The album not only pays homage to his traditional roots, as evident in the song “Mweya’“, but also signals a bold step forward in his career.
‘Mweya’ talks about seeking direction in life from traditional leaders, giving them the utmost respect they deserve within the chieftainship they represent.
‘Tsapo,’ a 14-track album, was recorded at Cockpit Studios and engineered by the legendary producer, Bothwell Nyamhondera.
Other songs to look out for include: Twuhanda, Nyoka, Perengende, Homwe, and Ngwendere.
For those who are new to Sulumani’s musical journey, he fronted The Orchestra Dendera Kings soon after his father’s passing in 2005, where he took up the mantle, modernising the Dendera sound while staying true to its roots.
Sulumani’s ability to fuse traditional rhythms with contemporary beats has earned him a loyal following across generations, and there hasn’t been any major competition within the genre, as it is dominated by the Chimbetu family.
Among other notable names within the family are Douglas Chimbetu, Allan Chimbetu, Tryson Chimbetu, Saiwe Chimbetu, and many others.
Above all, the album promises to be one of the most talked about projects in 2025 if it is marketed well, considering stiff competition in the Zimbabwean musical industry, which has of late been dominated by Zim Hip Hop and Zimdancehall.
