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Entertainment Reporter
THE Dendera music dynasty continues to grow and at every turn there is a new surprise in the offing from this genre. The latest comes in the form of Richard Sakala, who is nephew to the late Dendera music exponent, Simon Chimbetu. While some people are busy arguing who could be the actual heir to the Dendera music “throne”, Sakala has been silently working on his music career and now the Glen View-based singer has released his sixth album titled “Together – Pamwechete”.

To those who love pure and original Dendera, then this six-track album will be to their liking and it is enhanced by Sakala’s catchy and mature lyrics.
Although it has been more than five years without releasing anything, listening to this album, one will immediately notice that Sakala is a perfectionist and does not rush things.
His voice bears an uncanny resemblance to that of his late uncle Simon.

Sakala’s mother, Esnath, is the second born in the Chimbetu family where Simon came after her as the third born.
So it comes as no big surprise that Sakala would follow the music route travelled by most of his uncles who apart from Simon, include Naison, Briam (both late) and Allan as well as Suluman, Tryson and Douglas.

At first sight, the title of the album “Together – Pamwe Chete” rings with overtones suggesting that the Chimbetu family as well as their relatives who include Sakala himself, should come together and unite for a purpose.

Explaining the title, Sakala said: “The meaning is broad, it is a plea to people in general to come together and unite for a purpose.”
This is echoed in the opening track, “Ndifambe Nemi” about someone who is out on a tough mission but needs the support of others in order to achieve his or her goal.
Sakala’s drum-playing skills are evident not only on this song but throughout the whole album.

Allan Chuimbetu played the lead guitar on this song.
“Your Woman Your Flower” is a catchy love song whose lyrics are poetic in the way that the singer uses the image of a flower to describe how beautiful women are and how they should be treated like such. “Women are flowers that we should always groom,” explained Sakala about the song.

“Hasha Kure” calls for sanity to prevail in relationships and solve disputes amicably, while “Unosvika Riinhi” is about someone who is longing for his or her partner who is far away and also suggests that love is the greatest therapy in life.

“Huyai Kwedu” and “Rudo” are also part of the songs on the album that was recorded at Diamond Studios who are marketing and distributing it.
The album is receiving fair airplay on Radio Zimbabwe and National FM.

Some of Sakala’s albums are: “Get Ready” (2000), “Varegerei” (2003), “Ndinorevesa-Be Mine” (2006), “Kurauone” (2007) and “Village” (2009). Sakala said videos were currently in the pipeline.