The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
PLANS to commemorate the life of one of Manicaland’s music legends and Assegai Crew’s founding member, the late Stobart Chidikano, are afoot, with artistes from across the country being engaged to be part of the historic event.
Chidikano is set to be honoured with a musical gala at the end of May.
An array of artistes, deejays, show promoters and business people are expected to attend the event.
Chidikano’s fairytale musical journey will forever linger in many people’s hearts, especially those who witnessed his epic live performances in the mid-90s.
The Ragga-Manyika outfit’s phenomenal lyrical compositions and well-arranged instruments saw the group becoming a national treasure, particularly after the release of the plug song ‘Kanyama Karipi’, popularly known as ‘Mai Bhoyi’, in 1997.
Prior to his death in 2001, Chidikano steered the Assegai Crew ship to dizzy heights as they toured various regional countries, rubbing shoulders with great names in the global music industry.
They also released chartbuster albums such as ‘Zvese Mari’ and ‘Nyarara’.
In an interview early this week, one of Assegai Crew’s founding members, veteran guitarist and musician, Joseph Makureya said they will also pay tribute to some of the departed band members who include Tendai Muparutsa, Martin Kafesu, Herbert Kehara, Fortune Muparutsa and Robert Chagora.
Makureya, who is now 47, revealed some interesting facts about the late Chidikano and Assegai Crew.
“He was a hard worker. He was a unique composer and he would sometimes wake me up to share some musical notes. He was a go-getter and he wanted things to be done thoroughly.
“Assegai Crew is a brand that the younger generations may not know of. Our band was one of those sought after in the country.
“When in Harare, George Hotel was our base. We became so popular that everyone, including promoters, fellow musicians and venue owners, wanted to be associated with us,” said Makureya.
He said the band made so much money that they would hire a cab for their Harare-Mutare trips.
“Sometimes life was so good that we could afford to hire a taxi from the capital city to Mutare and we would still be left with much more money to spend.
“We rubbed shoulders with various seasoned artistes such as the late Andy Brown, John Chibadura, Yondo Sister, Pepe Kale, Penny Penny and Matshikos, among many others.
“We would do sold out live shows and the band would always strive to put sterling performances,” he said.
However, it was all good while it lasted.
Makureya said besides the death of some band members, greediness was the major cause of the band’s demise.
“I wouldn’t want to delve much into what largely contributed to the sinking of the Assegai Crew ship, but lack of transparency was one of the contributing factors. Some of the band managers became greedy, sometimes we would perform for less than what we would have been offered.
“Things changed. Some of the leaders lived a lavish life while we wallowed in poverty. Stobart’s death was a huge blow. The fame, the power, the influence crumbled like a deck of cards,” he explained.
Makureya is now a session musician who features on several musicians’ albums and can play any guitar.
“We are set to engage various artistes, show promoters, the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, business people and other stakeholders to ensure that the event to honour Stobart is a success. He was our torchbearer and we intend to make the gala a resounding success,” he said.
Assegai Crew is now a new look entity.
The band’s only surviving and serving member, Silas Makumbe, now leads the band; while businessman and Chitsa Bar owner, Tawanda Chitsa, manages the band.
