The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
HE has never tasted alcohol.
He has lived the sober days of witnessing several generations of Ragga Manyika outfit, Assegai Crew, interchanging smoothly.
The ship keeps sailing and the captain is happy with both groups, the pioneers and the prodigies.
The story of Silas Makumbe, an ageless, talented, shy and creative drummer, who is Assegai Crew’s only surviving member, is an inspiring one.
Every leader in a music set-up would wish to travel such a rollercoaster journey, no matter how bumpy it is.
This week, Weekender Entertainment caught up with Makumbe, who has stirred the new look band to stardom despite the numerous hurdles that include filling the shoes of the extremely-talented and versatile members of the band, dead or alive.
Although most musicians and band members, particularly those with social anxiety, love alcohol as they believe that it can boost confidence, Makumbe has never tasted alcohol.
“It gives me pleasure to tell you that I am happy with the current crop of bandsmen at Assegai Crew. As their leader, I am really shocked with their level of professionalism.
“They have remained united. They are talented and they are willing to learn. I am proud of the youthful group. They remain composed, even when performing in front of scores of people. That is the typical Assegai Crew because we used to conquer the region. We could face any crowd and still conquer. That is where the new look band is heading to,” said Makumbe.
Makumbe is happy that the group is heading there as they have never disappointed.
The band has shown maturity, even when many thought they would falter.
One major trump card the group had, especially on their formative years, was their ability to capture the hearts of strangers (during live shows), including promoters.
They recently grabbed many people’s attention when they put up a sterling performance at Diamond FM’s Seventh Year Anniversary at Osborne Dam.
A lot were left awestruck by their performance.
Makumbe said with the aid of various promoters, bar owners and other well-wishers, the band has remained alive.
“I witnessed the glory days of the first generation of Assegai Crew, especially after the release of our chartbuster album, Zvese Mari, which carried the plug track Kanyama Karipi.
“We conquered the region. We were so talented that we would play cover songs, even without having rehearsed for long. The new crop is doing well and I am happy that they have adopted the versatility.
“I want them to build a name for themselves while preserving the Assegai Crew culture and sound, which is unique in its own way,” said Makumbe.
Die-hard Assegai Crew fan, Aaron Chemvura said: “The history of the group’s glory days will never be complete without mentioning how they conquered the nation. The then George Hotel became their favorite fortress. They were a marvel. Their ability to play cover songs – from Lucky Dube to UB40 – was exceptional.”
Dangamvura watering hole, Chitsa Bar owner, Tawanda Chitsa now manages the band which include Oblong Phiri, Petros Ushe, Terence ‘Obama’ Makoni, John Chimboza, Massy Mbutsa and Binoz Chimboza.
The band has lined up a series of shows across the province, starting this month, to pay tribute to their legion of fans.
