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Chibhodhoro (second left) and son Nigel join the Zimbabwe Prison Services Band on the dance floor

Problem Masau Arts Correspondent
Gone are the days when musicians discouraged their children from following in their footsteps. First generation musicians in Zimbabwe did not want their offspring to take up the guitar. In most cases the sons would learn how to strum the guitar secretly or when their fathers passed on. Most musicians such as Suluman Chimbetu, Peter Moyo and Biggie Tembo Junior among others only took music seriously after their fathers’ deaths.

Tongai Moyo encouraged his son to follow the academic route.
However, the game has changed as more musicians are mentoring their children.

Willom Tight, Innocent Mijintu, John Muyambo and Jonas Kasamba are all mentoring their sons to take up music.
Oliver Mtukudzi probably led the way when he encouraged his late son Sam Mtukudzi to follow in his footsteps. He even staged a show that was dubbed “Nzou NeMhuru” where he shared the stage with his son.

However, his plans went off the rail when his son died in an accident. In his album “Sarawoga” that he did after the death of Sam he makes it clear that he thought he was going to die first and Sam would keep his legacy alive.

Mijintu, one of the country’s finest guitarists, has been going around staging shows with his son Learnmore.
“He was my backing vocalist on my new album ‘Kunakirwa Chete’ and I wanted him to learn one or two tricks. He is a talented guitarist,” said Mijintu in reference to his 19-year-old son.

Learnmore completed his Advanced Levels last year and he is keen to pursue both a music career and his studies.
“Music has always been in me and I think I can juggle it with my academics. I want to keep my father’s legacy alive,” said Learnmore who scored 11 points at A-Level.

Gary Tight, son to Willom, has already made inroads in the music industry. He recently performed at the October World Music Festival where he left many people demanding more.

Italian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Stefano Moscatelli described Gary as one of the brightest prospects of Zimbabwean music. Gary has since released an album titled “Topinde Mukati”.

Gary said the album afforded him a chance to be heard alongside his mentor and father Willom. Willom said he was happy working with his son.

“I have been working with my son since he was a little boy and our joint venture will last for more years to come,” he said.
John Muyambo, popularly known as Chibhodhoro, has mentored his son Nigel to be a dancer of repute.

The veteran drummer said he was happy that one of his sons was following in his footsteps.
“My son Nigel works for Zimbabwe Prison Services and is a talented drummer. I am very happy for him,” he said.
However, it remains to be seen if the sons have the talent to survive in the cut-throatmusic industry.