The Sunday Mail
A leadership wrangle is brewing within the Extra Kwazvose sungura outfit, a group formed two years ago.
The group, also known as the Rebels, does not have a single distinctive leader but is led by four ex-Orchestra Mberikwazvo band members namely Francis “Franco Slomo” Dhaka, Obert Gomba, Jonas Kasamba and Noel Nyazanda.
And the leadership pact is said to be the source of unrest in the sungura outfit.
Extra Kwazvose recently released its second eight-track album titled Zvepasi Rino.
Some two or so months ago, a shaky Extra Kwazvose accused Alick Macheso of fanning divisions in their outfit, following the departure of two members, Tito Vhinyo and Tafadzwa Gwanzura, over unclear circumstances.
But while there have been attempts to drag Macheso into the band’s predicament, events point to the fact that the unrest is simply an internal affair centred on a struggle for the ultimate control of the band.
Information obtained revealed that seasoned lead guitarist Nyazanda is pushing to dwarf Slomo and Gomba with the support of Kasamba.
The Sunday Mail Leisure is reliably informed that various music promoters and companies have made it clear that funding the band under the current leadership structure is difficult for them since it compromised the whole process of accountability.
Groups like the Four Brothers, Khiama Boys, Bhundu Boys and the Sungura Boys that used to have a similar leadership style back in the day encountered similar challenges and had to abandon the system.
They ultimately appointed individual leaders.
The Four Brothers went on to be fronted by Patrick Mukwamba and later the late Marshal Munhumumwe, while the late Biggie Tembo took charge of the Bhundu Boys. The Sungura Boys were a bit late in changing their management style and eventually collapsed in the mid-80s, paving way for the Khiama Boys that was to be fronted by Nicholas Zacharia.
Against this background, supporters of Extra Kwazvose, including other band members, have been lobbying for Slomo, who is the lead vocalist and responsible for much of the group’s compositions, to lead the band. The school of thought that Slomo become the sole leader is said to be behind Nyazanda and Kasamba’s “coup” plot.
Lead guitarist Nyazanda confirmed he was aware of the rumours, but promptly dismissed them as such.
“I was also surprised to learn of the news that we are squabbling over power. Inasfar as I’m concerned, we are okay,” said Nyazanda, adding, “I think it is the work of people that have an agenda against us. They are fuelling those rumours so that we end up separating.”
The band, Nyazanda said, will not be tampered with since it was their only source of income.
“This (band) is our only source of livelihood and should be treasured. We have just released a good album and the response on the market is encouraging. I will not let anyone threaten this outfit,” he said.
However, history now makes it difficult for one to believe what the guitarist says. In 2012 and 2013, Nyazanda led revolts against his previous employer (Macheso). This was despite previously distancing himself from the rebellion plan rumours.
Slomo, though visibly shaken by the information of an ‘‘impending’’ coup, tried to appear calm.
“The truth is you do not know what someone is thinking. But if there are such plans being mooted, it will be very unfortunate. My focus at the moment is on growing this band and nothing else. Counter-productive elements should not be tolerated in any way,” he said.
Listening to their latest release, one is tempted to think that the talented dancer tried to cleverly address the situation through a song titled “Kuchera Makomba”. In the song, Slomo pleads for unity of purpose at work.
Part of the lyrics to the song go as follows: “ . . . ini ndiripo pakuchera makomba ayo, vamwe vouya vokanda chibage vofushirawo, hewo mumera obuda isu togovana, mumwe nemumwe chibage chake kande kumba, mukushanda tese tikaisa musoro pamwe zvinhu zvose zvinofamba zvakanakawo wani. Mumabasa munotoda musoro pamwe kuti tiende mberi.”
Adds Slomo: “We are four leaders in our group and it would not be surprising if someone starts battling for the top spot. What has to be remembered though is the fact that for every dream there is a brainchild and it is that person who keeps the dream alive.”
Obert Gomba said he was happy the band’s stakes were rising with each passing day particularly in the outskirts of Harare, adding that the group would maintain the status quo though it was going to be reviewed soon.
“I’m comfortable with the set-up we have at the moment. But, of course, in the near future we are going to end up with a single leader just like other groups that had similar arrangements. I personally have not heard about the impending coup rumour and I hope it just remains so,” said Gomba.
The vocalist and dancer, however, acknowledged that their power structure is prone to abuse.
Jonas Kasamba could not be reached for comment.
One of the band members who left the ensemble in June said the leaders were all getting “executive” salaries, leaving little for the band.
“Apart from confusing us through their struggles, they were each getting top salaries from the little that we were getting, spelling doom for us,” said the disgruntled former band member. The group has 12 members and their first album is called Ndizvo Zviripo.
