Veronica Gwaze recently in MAPANZURE, Zvishavane
AT the hem of rugged Shanyura village in Mapanzure, Zvishavane, hot, dry air blows across the barren lands.
The sparse vegetation paints a picture of land that barely receives rain.
In its dryness and quietness, one homestead, popularly known in the area as the Blue Roof, stands out.
At the home, some men are installing a bulk water storage tank, while women are going about their chores.
Chief Hwenje at his homestead in Mapanzure, Zvishavane. — Pictures: Kudakwashe Hunda
Here, Chief Hwenje, born Admire Sanyanga Sibanda, walks barefoot across his compound, supervising the workmen.
But he is no longer the towering and full-of-life dreadlocked figure popular for his energetic performances at music shows.
Chief Hwenje is an artiste of note, who has variously collaborated with secular and gospel musicians alike.
However, apart from coming up with his own compositions, he also writes music for fellow artistes, including Baba Harare (now called King David) and Pah Chihera.
Chief Hwenje
But now the artiste, who was a well-toned, jovial giant, has become a pale shadow of his former self.
The 37-year-old singer was recently diagnosed with lymphoma, a type of blood cancer that affects the lymphatic and immune system.
It occurs when lymphocytes, a type of white blood cells, develop abnormally and multiply out of control.
The two main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Apart from losing weight, he also had to shave his signature dreadlocks.
He did this in preparation for critical surgery and treatment.
“The lymphomas have spread throughout my body and doctors recommended cutting to remove some of them, lest they continue to develop into cancer,” revealed Chief Hwenje in an exclusive interview with The Sunday Mail Entertainment.
“I am in pain and sometimes the attacks are so dire that I cannot even move or talk.”
Burden
The revered musician recently retreated to Shanyura village his rural home.
A chat with the “Mai Welly” crooner hints at a man who is in search of healing in a serene environment, away from the industry’s prying eyes.
He has so far missed at least eight booked shows.
For the few that he has fulfilled, he had to take pain medication.
However, sometimes the medication cannot stop the pain, forcing him to leave the stage before his time is up.
This has, over the recent past, unfortunately earned him a bad name and reputation among promoters and his fans.
“It pains me to watch fans calling for more when my body feels weak and cannot deliver,” he said, staring into space and deep in thought.
“Sometimes I break down in secret backstage; the world does not understand what I am going through. Some promoters and fans think that I have become big-headed, yet what I am going through is beyond that . . . In some instances, when they change my performing time, I am forced to take more medication.”
The artiste, who has lately been in and out of hospital, suffers anguish and agony. However, he has not shared the severity of his case with close family members since his diagnosis some months ago.
Bitterness
Chief Hwenje has three properties to his name: a completed house and two yet-to-be-serviced stands, all in Kadoma.
In addition, he is setting up a studio at his rural home.
“I am converting my great-grandfather’s house into a studio; it is a significant site for me because I believe music is a spiritual gift that I got from him.”
Last year, businessman Wicknell Chivayo, also known as Sir Wicknell, gifted the artiste a luxury car.
He also promised the singer US$50 000 for the purchase of a house, which is, however, yet to be delivered.
There has been a lot of misconception about his deteriorating health, weight loss and why he cut off his signature dreadlocks.
“There has been a lot of negativity. These people do not understand that I am ill and my medication is costly, so for now, this is my primary concern,” added Chief Hwenje.
Album release postponed
Due to ill health, the singer now finds it hard to frequent the studio.
As a result, he had to postpone the release of his new album titled “Chiedza chaSamere”.
Initially scheduled to be out in December, the eight-track project will now be released at a later date next year.
The musician sampled some of his songs for The Sunday Mail Entertainment, explaining the inspiration behind the deep lyrics. In his Afro-traditional songs, he pours out his heart, expressing the challenges he has faced in his career and life in general.
“I come from a tough background. Losing my parents at a young age, I had to see myself through school.
“I learnt how to entertain the public through music at a young age so that I could raise school fees. As if that was not enough, the arts industry is also brutal.
“Some people even openly express their hatred towards me, so the album is just a series of letters from my heart,” he said.
In the title track, “Chiedza chaSamere”, Chief Hwenje shares with the world his experiences during his visit to Nehemiah Mutendi’s Defe Dopota shrine earlier in the year. Contrary to common belief that his stage name is derived from his totem (Hwenje), the artiste is of the Shumba totem.
His stage name was derived from his “behavioural traits”, likened to those of a wild cat that can thrive under difficult circumstances.
