The Sunday Mail
John “Chibhodhoro” Muyambo has spent close to five decades in the arts industry, is rated tops among the country’s drummers, but he is a bitter man.
Chibhodhoro reckons the ‘‘gods’’ have been unfair, they have not presented him the opportunity to realise his cherished dream of becoming a band leader.
He has pursued it for the last 45 years.
In a wide-ranging interview, the pint-sized musician-cum-actor, who stormed onto the arts industry in the late 60s, said his talent had helped create names in the arts industry. He, however, added that he was still to reach his zenith, let alone get gratification from his contribution to the industry.
And the apex, Chibhodhoro said, was only going to come after he gets the opportunity to front his own outfit. Being behind the scenes as a band member, he said, was not satisfactory.
“I have worked with a number of artistes in the process helping further their careers. Some of them are still alive while others are now late. In 1969, I joined The Great Sounds before I went on to join late Safirio “Mukadota” Madzikatire and Katarina (Elizabeth Taderera) in 1976. During my stint with Mukadota, I worked on some projects with Thomas Mapfumo,” he said.
John “Chibhodhoro” Muyambo
Contrary to what many people think, the veteran drummer does not credit the growth of his brand to Mukadota but to other big names that he has worked with in the arts industry.
Chibhodhoro said, he has not realised meaningful gains from the arts industry but notes his high moments came after Zimbabwe attained independence in 1980. This, he said, was due to the logical movement he made between employers as well as the country’s new independent status.
“…though I had worked with a number of artistes before, my defining moment came in 1988 when I joined the Real Sounds of Africa. Personally, I think this was the best moment of my career because I got a lot of exposure from within and outside the borders (Europe mainly),” added the pint-sized artiste.
Interestingly, the 63-year-old drummer said he was not going to rest until his dream of becoming a band leader comes to fruition. And he has spent close to four decades trying to assemble a public address system for the yet to be gathered group.
At his age the ‘‘Chibhodhoro vision’’ seems out of range, but the man remains optimistic. He is worried though by the local promoters that are failing to support artistes and only target big names that guarantee quick returns in terms of investment.
“Promoters and sponsors are failing to help us. If I had received support I would be a big name in the music industry like Sulu or Jah Prayzah. I have over the years been working on assembling a public address system and have not received assistance from anyone. I now have a mixer and speakers, among other things, but I’m not yet there,” said the charismatic drummer.
And the mixer, which is the latest of his acquisitions, comes with a tale.
He purchased it in Mzansi after having been invited to perform with South African gospel musician Lucky Muzuli by a church which had observed his otherwise difficult to ignore exploits on television.
“I struggled to bring my mixer into Zimbabwe from South Africa. Zimra wanted US$130. No one wanted to give me the money to clear the gadget and it was accruing about US$2 at the border each day. I only managed to get it through the border after I got money from my sister and I haven’t repaid her to date,” he explained.
In the interim, apart from guest appearances on Tanga WekwaSando’s set, Chibhodhoro has also managed to seal a deal with John Kabengere or simply Uncle John, which will see the two jointly front the group TP Nyekesa.
For those not in the know, TP Nyekesa is the group that once gave us the 90s chat-buster, Ndochi, fronted by Papa Jose.
“I’m not happy depending on Tanga since he is not into music full-time. He has other commitments, which affect me financially. If he decides to stop completely, I will be in trouble. Like at the moment, he is on a break, which means I’m not getting paid and in turn I’m failing to pay my bills,” he said.
Apart from the arts industry, Chibhodhoro has also been a taxi driver. He used to juggle between the stage and ferrying people. According to him, the two professions complemented each other since he easily won customers due to his popularity.
Born on September 16, 1950 in Chipinge, Chibhodhoro married Joyce Mwandichiya, who is a nurse, in 1983. The couple is blessed with three boys and three girls.
The artiste, who is one of the oldest within the arts industry, attributes his longevity to the fear of God. He is an International Faith Apostolic of the Holy Ghost Church worshipper.
“Prayer has helped me. If artistes acknowledge God, they will live long. I never forget to pray,” he says.
