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Leonard Zhakata

Tawanda Marwizi Arts Correspondent
Zora musician Leonard Zhakata believes his recent achievements are not enough to bring back his glory of the early 90s. Zhakata, who was known for his glittering outfits rose to fame with hits like “Mugove”, “Hupenyu Mutoro”, “Batai Mazwi” and “Gomba Remarara” among others.

The musician however, almost abandoned his career in 2011 after a long dispute with his recording company.

In that same year he released an album “Gotwe” but could not make much impact on the local scene.

After hibernating for some time, Baba Chamu, as the musician is popularly known, released another album “Zvangu Zvaita” in 2013.

Two songs from the album “Dhonza Makomborero” and “Dollar Boy” topped the Radio Zimbabwe Coca-Cola top 50 and the musician walked away with more than $ 2 000.

Despite the fair airplay the songs are getting, the musician said he still needs three years to reclaim his glory.

“I still need some years to regain the ground that I had lost. I need about three years,” said the musician.

He said he is working on an album this year but could not reveal if it was going to be a gospel album as anticipated by most music followers.

“We are working on an album now but to be honest I cannot tell if it will be gospel or not because as musicians we sometimes choose the structure of an album after recording,” he said.

The musician said he is improving on his works and he is aiming high to reclaim his glory.

Last Friday he shared stage with Peter Moyo at Pamuzinda Ice and Fire.

The show which was poorly attended was meant to bid a farewell to Moyo who will be performing in Hillbrow South Africa this weekend.

However, the artistes did not disappoint the small crowd that graced the event.

Zhakata was the first to take to the stage and the musician managed to keep music lovers on the dance floor with his yesteryear hits.

Songs “Mugove”, “Maruva Enyika”, “Amai Maria” among others thrilled fans.

Moyo who took stage after midnight managed to keep fans on their toes dancing to music all night.

On Saturday, Zhakata staged a free show at Dandaro Inn where he thanked his fans and associates for supporting him and helping him scoop the top accolades.

The show was well-attended and Zhakata promised to continue doing his best to provide good entertainment.