Kunenyati is back

BY STEVE EPHRAEM

Zimbabwe’s surviving sungura music legend, Knowledge Kunenyati, has made a triumphant return to the music scene. His latest single, “Mubairo Wegoho,” produced by Tichaona Chacha of Sungano Records, marks his comeback.

Kunenyati, popularly known as Baba Handishaye, expressed his renewed commitment to his craft, stating, “I have composed many songs, which I will release gradually as singles. ‘Mubairo Wegoho’ encourages people to make wise decisions in life, and I composed it with deep emotion.”

He also extended his gratitude to Tichaona Chacha, who tracked him down and offered to record his music free of charge. “Such a gesture is valuable to artists who may be struggling to stay in the industry,” Kunenyati added.

Kunenyati’s journey in the music world began in the late 1970s when he joined Kassongo Band, a vibrant group comprised of liberation fighters, including Mkoma Ketai Muchawaya as leader, Rex Moto Moto on drums, Dhembo Kenyatta on rhythm guitar, Phainos Mapurisa on bass, and dancers such as Joseph Muwema, Jack Ncube, Chenjerai Musere, and Marko Sibanda.

Following a misunderstanding with Mkoma Ketai over royalties, Kunenyati took the helm of Kassongo Band. He recounted, “We were frustrated by the royalties Mkoma Ketai was earning. Our recording company siding with him further fueled our anger. One day on our way from Msasa, the band manhandled him and reached as far as Unit M in Chitungwiza. I later persuaded our colleagues to leave him unharmed.”

Mkoma Ketai, Kunenyati and Mapurisa hailed from Manicaland, with Ketai from Bocha, Kunenyati from Buhera and Mapurisa from Checheche in Chipinge.

After the fallout, Ketai proposed forming a new band and incorporating Kunenyati.

“However, when Mkoma Ketai came to negotiate with me joining Simba Brothers, I had already begun rehearsals with Kassongo Band. I later formed Muzokomba Movers, named after my home area, and popularised the Gofingo dance,” he added.

Marko Sibanda succeeded Kunenyati as the leader of Kassongo Band. When Kunenyati briefly returned to Kassongo, eventually Sibanda formed Insiza Brothers. Kunenyati later returned to lead Muzokomba Movers, continuing his musical legacy to this day.