Africa’s hero, Machel to be remembered VENERANDA LANGA, SENIOR FEATURES REPORTER - Oct 14 2011 07:59

Samora Machel

It is five days before Africa commemorates the death of one of its most illustrious revolutionaries, former Mozambican President Samora Moises Machel. He died in an air crash in 1986.

Political analysts in Zimbabwe have described the late President Machel as a man who played a pivotal role in promoting revolutionary ideologies in African countries as well as aiding the liberation fighters of neighbouring countries, including Zimbabwe.

According to the Wikipedia Encyclopedia, Samora Moises Machel was born on September 29 1933 in a farming village of Chilembene in the Gaza Province of Mozambique.

He later trained as a nurse and while working for the then Lourenço Marques hospital (now Maputo), Machel became attracted to Marxist ideologies under whose teachings he began to notice salary discrepancies between black and white nurses with similar qualifications.

Inspired, Machel decided to join the Front for the Liberation of Mozambique in 1962.

Eight years later, he had risen through the ranks to become the party leader following the assassination of party President Eduardo Mondlane.

Takura Zhangazha one of the organisers of the commemorations of the life of Machel, which normally attracts speakers from organisations like the National Constitutional Assembly, Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, Zinasu and other interested individuals, described the late Machel as a man who pursued democracy and freedom at all costs.

“President Machel made a major contribution towards the liberation of Zimbabwe and other liberation movements, including Southern Africa, and in that respect he left a legacy that must be acknowledged and respected by Zimbabweans and people in Southern Africa,” said Zhangazha.

“He fostered solidarity between the people of Zimbabwe and Mozambique as well as freedom, social and economic justice, and gender equality in pursuit of democracy and he continued to touch on these issues in the collection of his speeches,” he said.

A political commentator, Blessing Ivan Vava said Machel was like a brother who gave all to assist another suffering brother.

“He is a man who gave it all in assisting a brother (Zimbabwe) who was still suffering at the hands of a racist settler regime. Mozambique became a second home to the revolutionary fighters during the war of liberation and he was a comrade who never lost his passion and belief in regional solidarity as shown by his role in the formation of the (Southern Africa Development Co-ordination Conference) now Sadc.”

However, Machel was accused of forcing some estimated 200 000 Portuguese out of Mozambique, resulting in serious economic and financial collapse of the country.

The late Mozambican leader died together with 33 passengers on October 19 1986 on his way from an international meeting in Lusaka, Zambia, when his Presidential Tupolev Tu-134 aircraft crashed in the Lebombo Mountains near Mbuzini in South Africa.

The incident was investigated by the Margo Commission set up by the South African government, which concluded it was caused by pilot error.

But, Machel’s widow Graça Machel was adamant then that it was not an accident and she dedicated her life to tracking down her husband’s alleged killers.

In 2007, one of Machel’s confidantes in Frelimo, Jacinto Veloso suspected the death was due to a conspiracy between the South African and Soviet Union secret services, both of which he said had reasons to get rid of him.

According to Veloso, the Soviet Ambassador once asked Machel for an audience to convey the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics’ concern about Mozambique’s apparent “sliding away” towards the West, to which Machel supposedly replied Vai a merda (Be damned!). This was interpreted to the Russian envoy who was then convinced Machel had irrevocably moved away from their orbit.

The Soviets allegedly did not hesitate to sacrifice the Russian pilot and the whole crew of their own plane carrying Machel.

Tuku's new band better than the acoustic

Tuku's new band better than the acoustic

the acoustic band

Over the last weeks there have been mixed reactions over Oliver Mtukudzi’s new look Black Spirits  band and sound. To that regard the media has been awash with different stories on the changes at Tuku Music. With some reports alleging that Tuku sacked his band members,  though some reported that Chipanga and crew resigned to start their solo careers. Till today no one really knows what actually happened in Tuku’s camp that led to this development . But after attending one of Tuku’s acoustic shows at the Mannernburg recently,  I had the privilege of chatting with one of  Tuku’s closest lieutenants, who dismissed the reports saying that the changes had nothing to do with salaries as reported but  refused to shed light on what exactly transpired on that regard. 

The acoustic band was introduced by Mtukudzi in 2006  after he had decided to change the flavour of his music mainly for his international tours, thus introducing traditional instruments.  Then Tuku dropped six band members namely the talented lead guitarist Mono Mukundu, his daughter, Selma Philani Dube (sound engineer, guitar), Kenny Neshamba (percussion), Clive Mutyasira (drummer), Selma Mtukudzi (vocals), and Jairos Hambahamba (keyboard).  He recruited a new-look  band which composed of Charles Chipanga (marimba), Namatayi Mubariki (hosho,vocals), Never Mpofu (bass) and Sam Mataure (drums) later replaced by Simba Dembedza.

 new look Black Spirits 

It remains unclear on what prompted the superstar to dump his acoustic band, recruiting new band members  and reverting back to his  trademark katekwe beat. I still believe that   the acoustic flavour was not well received by  a majority of Tuku’s fans. For the few years that Tuku shifted to the acoustic beat minus the lead guitar, his shows lost lustre  to the extent that his old songs were now boring during live performances  because they were missing the lead guitar which has been an integral instrument of Tuku’s beat for years. Imagine playing songs like Ziwere, perekedza Mwana, Dzoka Uyamwe and others without the lead guitar? surely they sound void. For fans they had no choice, they kept on filling his venues but most were not happy with the new sound.

However the topic  is still up for  debate though as some are arguing that the new band is not playing well, probably basing on their performance at the Chibuku finals.  On that we can give Tuku a benefit of doubt because he was just coming from a funeral of his sound engineer. But to those who attended the Zim’s Finest show at Andy Miller hall can testify that Tuku delivered a five star performance with his new look band. At least fans had a chance of dancing to some of Tuku’s old songs he was no longer playing at his shows when he had the acoustic band. Songs like mutavara, mutserendende to mention but a  few had disappeared from Tuku’s play list during live shows.  To be honest the new guys are doing well and fans should give them time to settle in the band. Judging by Friday’s performance, you could hardly feel the absence of Chipanga and crew, it was a show reminiscing the days of Neshamba, Mukundu and the old Black Spirits. But the old man still has a homework on the female backing vocalist, who unlike the other new members seems to be learning at a slow pace and still lacking confidence in an outfit composed of veterans. 

Above all, Tuku has shown that he is indeed a teacher and a legend as well this I say basing on how the new members have quickly adapted and fitting well in the Black Spirits line up. It’s always every young guitarists, drummer’s dream to be play with  legends like Oliver Mtukudzi, because you learn one or two from veteran artistes. It is a golden opportunity  that also exposes them to play at big shows nationally and internationally. This is evident by the path that the ex-Black Spirits now being called ChaleNam have embarked on, lining up a series of shows  in Zimbabwe and regionally. I’m sure they are making use of the contacts they made while playing for Tuku to advance their own  music careers which they have just began after leaving the black Spirits. So the changes at Tuku Music might have been a blessing in disguise to both Tuku and his old band members. The debate is still on whether Tuku is better with an acoustic band or a full band (plus the lead guitar).

Send your comments to blessingvava@gmail.com

                                                   

Corporate world should support the arts industry

Supester Oliver Mtukudzi thrills fans at Chibuku Road to Fame

Corporate world should support  the arts industry

The 11^th edition of the  Chibuku road to fame music finals was a classic show attended by thousands of music lovers who were treated to   fun  and dance by upcoming and established musicians who played on the occasion. Chibuku Road to Fame Festival,  always give an opportunity to young and upcoming musicians to showcase their talent   rubbing shoulders with veterans in the industry. It is also one of those rare opportunities for the budding musicians  to be exposed  to bigger crowds for the first time.    

The colourful event organised by Delta Beverages and the National Arts Council  of Zimbabwe  with free entrance for music lovers who danced all day long till midnight. The organisers did a job well done and should be commended in their efforts in supporting our music industry. The finals also saw music greats namely Superstar Oliver Mtukudzi, Tongai Moyo, Alick Macheso and Allan Chimbetu showcasing their acts to a capacity crowd and indeed they did not disappoint as they kept fans on their feet with their scintillating performances.

Allan Chimbetu, Tuku (Centre),Alick Macheos dance on one Tuku's songs

Such a gesture from a big corporate like Delta is a call to the  business community to plough back to the community through sponsoring and supporting such initiatives for the development of our arts industry.  Not only have they been sponsoring this event alone  but also other initiatives like the Chibuku Neshamwari Dance festival that is meant to preserve, safeguard and promote the dance forms in Zimbabwe. For years the festival to create an audience for dance and lay the foundation for dance as a source of employment for school leavers. This partnership by Delta and NACZ has proved quite fruitful.

Therefore we call on various other bodies NACZ included to seek and forge partnerships with the corporate world in having initiatives that support and promote our local arts industry. As for Delta, their  involvement in the arts industry over the years has been exceptionally commendable. Apart from these two major events are also involved in the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA), which has managed to raise the nation’s flag high on the international fora.  

The Intwasa Festival, a multidisciplinary arts celebration held annually in Bulawayo. This festival celebrates various art forms like storytelling, song and music, dance, literary arts, theatre, film, performance poetry, fashion and design, visual arts, African Cuisine and Historical Traditions. The Jikinya  dance festival, where different schools compete against one another, showcasing various traditional dances. The festival aims at encouraging children to appreciate and perform Zimbabwean traditional dances thus preserving the country’s rich cultural heritage, so that it may not disappear. These are some of the processes that Delta has been involved into, and again we hope other corporate will follow suit.

In the last weeks I have been very critical of music promoters for doing lip service to the arts industry.  The argument is based on their concentration with established musicians and turning a blind eye on the upcoming musicians.

It’s quite apparent that promoters are amassing huge profits from live performances and we encourage them to plough back to the community. There should  come up with initiatives that will also cater for the little known and upcoming musicians for the development of our industry. We all understand that music promotion is a business and hence the need for the realisation of profits but at least there is  need for supporting young musicians.

All these big names they scramble to book for shows were once unknown and in the oblivion but because of support there are now big. Our arts industry has a potential to grow to the magnitude  of countries like South Africa if there is support from the corporate world and the government as well. The government should  show commitment in the development of arts industry by means of financial and moral support. Such efforts can be done through the Ministry of Education Sports and Culture and this should start in our schools.

SW Radio Africa news - The Independent Voice of Zimbabwe
Michael Sata wins Zambian presidential election
By Tichaona Sibanda 23 September 2011 Veteran Zambian politician and opposition leader Michael Sata has won the presidential election, with 43 percent of the vote compared to Rupiah Banda’s 36 percent. The populist Sata, 74, was declared Zambia’s next President on Friday, after a tense election marred by pockets of violence that left two people dead.	Michael Sata
Banda, the outgoing president, immediately conceded election defeat to Sata saying ‘the people have spoken.’ In a televised speech to the nation, Banda said it was time for him to step down, adding: ‘We must all face the reality that sometimes it is time to change.’ Sata, who leads the Patriotic Front (PF), garnered 1,150,045 of votes cast, and Banda had 961,796 votes. Banda’s Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) has been in power since 2001 when one-party rule was ended after its founder President Fredrick Chiluba beat Kenneth Kaunda. There are unconfirmed reports that Banda’s MMD was bankrolled by the Chinese government while Sata, a long time admirer of Robert Mugabe, got financial backing from ZANU PF. Political analyst Blessing Vava told SW Radio Africa Sata’s victory shows that perseverance pays in politics, as he had spent 20 years in opposition politics. During this period Sata, nicknamed ‘King cobra’, lost three presidential elections. ‘Sata has been a popular politician for the last ten years and was bound to win the election. We must also commend the outgoing president as he has shown the world that he’s a democrat, he’s a leader that accepted defeat and has respected the will of the people. ‘This should work as a wake up call for people like Robert Mugabe that in the event he loses the next election he should respect the result of the poll,’ Vava said. The former student leader said lessons that should be drawn from the Zambian election are that leaders are not indispensable. ‘Once people are tired of you, they’ll vote you out. These leaders must not take people for granted as we have witnessed on countless occasions in Zimbabwe. It will reach a point where the electorate will punish you through the ballot box,’ Vava added.

Zambia shames Zim diehards OWEN GAGARE/ MOSES MATENGA - Sep 23 2011 14:42

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The Zambian election has provided an important lesson for the people of Zimbabwe and Sadc that peaceful power transfer is possible, analysts said on Friday.

The Zambian election, which saw opposition leader Michael Sata, nicknamed “King Cobra”, oust incumbent Rupiah Banda, whose Movement for Multiparty Democracy had run Zambia since 1991, is a victory for democracy.

Sata leads the Patriotic Front.

With 95% of constituencies counted, Sata had an unassailable 1 150 045 votes, 43% of the total, compared to Banda’s 961 796, which amounted to 36% of the vote.

Sata was duly declared the winner by Ireen Mambilima, chairwoman of the Electoral Commission, and Zambia’s Chief Justice Ernest Sakala.

Gilbert Kagodora, the national coordinator of Zimbabwean civil rights group March 11 Movement, said the Zambians should be congratulated and emulated.

“We applaud the incumbent president His Excellency the Honourable Rupiah Banda for not abusing State institutions as tools of repression and suppression of the citizens of Zambia and subversion of the people of Zambia’s will,” he said.

“We applaud the founding president of Zambia for helping our northern neighbours to start on a firm footing in the building of democracy and democratic institutions that makes the Zimbabwean State players stand in awe and envy, a process that seems to be light years away from us . . . We applaud the Electoral Commission of Zambia for walking the narrow road and their professional conduct and I hope the Chiweshes of Zimbabwe (referring to Zimbabwe Electoral Commission chairman Justice George Chiweshe) will pluck a leaf or two on professional conduct.”

Lovemore Madhuku, the chairman of the National Constitution Assembly, said the results should not send shockwaves to Zimbabwe or the region because a change of government is one of the things expected during an election.

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“These are good lessons for us. Election results must be accepted and elections should be conducted peacefully and all parties must agree on the conditions,” he said.

“It does not matter who wins, but the loser should accept the results. In any election there is a possibility of the incumbent remaining in power or a change of government. That’s what elections are about and this should be accepted.”

Analyst Blessing Vava said Banda had set an example for African leaders by graciously accepting defeat. He said Sata, who has previously lost three presidential elections, had shown that perseverance pays.

“The first lesson is that leaders are not indispensable. Once people are tired of you they boot you out. We commend Banda for accepting defeat, and it’s a call to all African leaders that they should respect the will of the people. Thirdly, we need to appreciate the role of proper and non-partisan institutions in electoral processes as witnessed in Zambia.

“Sata’s victory exhibits that perseverance pays in politics. He has been an opposition leader for 20 years and becoming a president does not need one to be educated. He is a man who came from grass to grace, starting as a sweeper at London’s Victoria Train Station and now he is a Head of State.

Media lecturer and analyst Wellington Gadzikwa said the Zambian election results were a good starting point for Sadc and a perfect example that those who lose elections accept the will of the people.

“It’s a good starting point for Sadc and a good example worth emulating. Our challenge now as Zimbabweans is to emulate (by accepting the results),” he said.

Alexander Rusero, another analyst, said: “These elections were well coordinated and the playing field was level. It’s a lesson that if things are well-coordinated in Zimbabwe, the next elections will be fine.”

Emmanuel Nkosilathi Moyo, the director of the Zimbabwe Organisation for Youths in Politics, said the Zambian election had shown that it was possible to have free and fair elections and that the will of the people had been respected.