Welly Swagger is “Swap and Topping” Buhera

BY ARTS REPORTER

Buhera district continues to prove itself a rich source of musical talent. From the closing years of the last millennium, which gave us Taurai Zumba of “Mudhara muri kenge” fame, Knowledge Kunenyati and his Muzokomba Movers, and Fungisai Mashavave, through to the new millennium that saw Sugar Sugar and Blessing Shumba define the Buhera sound, the area has consistently produced artists of note.

Now another musician is making his mark, having moved from the fast beat of sungura into Afro fusion. His name is Wellington Mhandu, known to the growing Zimbabwean music scene as Welly Swagger Mhandu. He is a multifaceted artist who is slowly but surely carving out a place for himself in the country’s rich musical landscape.

Born at Buhera Clinic, Welly Swagger’s story is one of humble beginnings. Now based in the bustling capital, Harare, this barber by day and musician by night is proving that passion does not keep to a schedule.

“I am a barber man I acknowledge that the menial job I do is helping fund my musical career. I sing in Shona and English, with a smattering of Ndebele. I blend sungura, Afro fusion, jit, Zimdancehall, and even gospel, creating a sweet fusion of the modern Zimbabwe sound,” he said.

He initially named his band Rovambira Express, only to find out that the name was already registered with ZIMURA, the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association. He changed it to The Fusions Band.

“Fusion Band means something mixed. I sing sungura, Afro fusion, jit, Zimdancehall and gospel at the same time,” he aded. Welly finds it difficult to define his genre but settles on calling it secular music.

Welly’s musical journey began in Buhera in 2012. Like many self-taught Zimbabwean musicians who grew up with limited resources, he fashioned homemade guitars, known locally as bhanjo, to give life to the melodies in his head. For three years, he honed his craft away from the spotlight, waiting for his moment to come.

That moment arrived in 2015 when he finally recorded his first album. It marked the start of a collaborative journey that has seen him work with some of the most respected names in production. His debut album was shaped by Tonderai Dirorimwe, followed by Forward Mazuruse on the second, and Jabulani Ndlovu on the third.

The single “Handikendenge,” produced by Cymplex Music and featuring Jah Master, became his breakout hit. The track resonated with audiences and gave him the confidence to push forward. He is currently working with Chiller King on new material and is set to work with Makumbe Productions on his upcoming project.

The lead guitarist has a catalogue of 20 released songs. While “Handikendenge” remains his biggest hit to date, complete with a music video, he insists the best is yet to come.

Welly Swagger is now working on a nine-track album titled “Swap and Top,” which he hopes to release later in the year. It contains tracks such as “Ndaiona nyeredzi,” “Forever,” “Patichamuona,” “Mwana Wenyu,” “Wrong Person,” “Zvine basa rei,” “Ndakudongorera,” “Tinzweiwo” and “Parliament.”

“I wish to care for children with disabilities and orphans,” he said. “I wish to build an orphanage.” This philanthropic aspiration adds a layer of depth to the man behind the stage name and frames his quest for compassion.

He is quick to acknowledge that he has not walked this path alone. With a heart full of gratitude, he thanks his family, the Mhandu clan, for their encouragement. He also appreciates Boss Mukundi Moses, Boss Jedza (Madzibaba Jeremiah), Boss Tate (Simbarashe Mambondiyani), Boss Cossy Rules, Madam Boss Ruvimbo Masunda in Australia, Boss Munya Gold Finger, Mr Mugwenhi, and Boss Richard Takwana. He extends his appreciation to all radio stations and Zimbabwean media outlets, and specifically to his “Gogo” Wonesai Chimwanambo Muroora weManicaland for pushing his brand “to the high level.”