The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
ZIMBABWE Clear Sounds is back!
The band became popular in the 1980s with hits such as Zindoga, Chochita, Baba VaChipo, Tabudirira Nejongwe and Mirandu Yachuruka.
The band was comprised of visually-impaired people who had left an ambitious outfit, Jairos Jiri Kwela Kings Band, to form their own.
Just like Ragga Manyika outfit, Assegai Crew, the band was plagued by a massive exodus of guitarists who went on to form another outfit, Unique Giant Band.
During their hay-days, Zimbabwe Clear Sounds rubbed shoulders with legendary outfits such as Kasongo Band, Four Brothers, Jordan Chataika and Freedom Semwayo among others.
The original Zimbabwe Clear Sounds members include Leviticus Ruzive, the late Nelson Ndlovu and the tried and tested Christopher Siziba who is the founding member and still with the group, but not actively.
Having been formed in 1979, the outfit had its own share of challenges that included inconsistency and failure to extensively market their brand.
In 1998, the group released an album, Tadzoka Zvakare, which did not fare well on the market before they released another project, Imiwezve Todii, in 2000.
The new-look band then went into oblivion and has since returned with the release of their latest album, Pimai.
The band, based in Sakubva, now comprises Siziba’s offspring, Melusi, who now stirs the ship; rhythm guitarist, Michael Mutungwazi; lead guitarist, Rushmore Mabvengwa and drummer, Simba Mukonya.
The new album consists of tracks such as Muri Mukuru, Munamati, Mudiwa Jane, Mudzimu Dzoka and Sekuru.
The well-knit project carries potential thrillers such as Mudiwa Jane and Sekuru.
The album also carries deep lyrics and heavy instrumentation that will remind many of the original group during the golden 90s.
The album carries songs laden with social commentaries that affect people’s day-to-day lives.
In a recent interview, the band manager, Mutungwazi, said they have marked their sensational return with an album that is set to get them old and new fans.
“Pimai is a message to our new and old fans that we are back. Our old men did their best and we are here to carry on with the legacy. We have learnt a lot from our founding father, Christopher Siziba, who has taught us a lot of values such as discipline.
“He has played a critical role in moulding our music careers. We will continue soldering on and we are happy that people, especially the younger generation, are starting to appreciate the collective talent that we all have.
“We have since commenced live shows and we are always available to play on public platforms as we showcase our talents. We are a blend of experienced and new band members and we can safely say we are gelling well. We will continue soldiering on and we are on a mission to bring back our glory days,” said Mutungwazi.
