The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
ONE of Zimbabwe’s oldest musicians and veteran wordsmith, Hosiah Chipanga, who is turning 73 this year, believes his legacy is safe as his 28-year-old son, Donewell Mayne, is now part of his Vaparidzi VeShoko Band as a guitarist, producer and engineer.
The lanky artiste said contrary to words doing the rounds that he has quit music and is now concentrating on farming in Nyazura, he is still very much in the game.
He said he will never throw in the towel until his ‘mission’ is accomplished.
It has been such as roller-coaster journey for the award-winning musician who at one time was the most sought-after musician around the mid-2000s, especially after the release of the Chakabaya Chikatyokera and Vapange Chipanga albums.
They were released during the same year.
Chakabaya Chikatyokera contained the anthemic Kwachu-Kwachu and Vatsigiri Vangu, while Vapange Chipanga carried plug tracks like Zvipfukuto, Ndafungazano and Ivhu Redu Nderipi.
Chipanga has had an illustrious career and at his climax, won a coveted National Arts Merit Award before he was in 2022 conferred with an honorary PhD in Philosophy from Trinity International Bible University.
He has also had a share of controversy after he launched his own church, Messiah Apostolic Institution Prophetically Peoples Institution (Mapipi) at Dangamvura Beithall which he later transformed into a political party.
His musical journey, has, however, been an ornamented one and in an interview with Weekender Entertainment, he revealed that he is confident that his son, Donewell, has enough arsenal to make it into the mainstream music industry, carrying forward the Vaparidzive Shoko brand in case the angel of death knocks on his door.
Chipanga is working on his 31st album which is due for release sometime this year.
He last released a four-track album, Denga Idzva Nenyika Itsva, which comprised danceable tracks such as Diabetes and Pachigaro Chehumambo.
He attributed his longevity in the industry to God’s grace.
“I am still in the game, and I am working on a new album which will be released this year.
“I know people are saying my concentration on farming has affected my music, but I am still active on the mic.
“The passion and the talent runs in the blood, I will never quit. I use my songs to preach the message of love.
“I wish to see people living in love, peace and unity, not using guns and killing each other.
“My mission is to have the Kingdom of God established on earth. That is my mission and I will not rest until we all live as one,” said Chipanga.
He spoke glowingly of Donewell.
“He is now an established engineer and producer.
“He is versatile and talented. I can safely say the legacy is in safe hands.
“He is better than me by far, especially on the computer as an engineer and as a guitarist.
“I am glad that he is following my footsteps better. He is part of the band, and we have been performing live shows together. God willing, I am sure that the band will always be intact,” said Chipanga.
Although the lanky musician composes songs that resonate with people, at 72 can he still dance and last long during live shows?
Well, the lanky artiste curtained down the Year 2023 with live shows in Chimanimani, one of them in Ngangu, and he left fans clamouring for more with his stunning dances and hoarse voice.
Many were shocked by his verve and energy on the stage.
