Mukadota’s shoes  are big to fill – Elijah Elijah “Bhero” Madzikatire

Trust Khosa

HE came from the golden generation of creatives who thrived on originality and merit.

Authenticity used to be a stable while comradeship defined them.

US-based Lovemore “Majaivana” Tshuma, saxophonist Philip Svosve and departed crooners — James Chimombe, Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi and Tobias Ariketa — were some of his closest peers.

His father, Safirio “Mukadota” Madzikatire, anointed him the heir apparent to ensure the legacy lives on.

He was lucky to be taught every aspect of art by Mukadota, who wanted him to venture into film-making, drama production and music.

At 72, the heir apparent — Elijah “Bhero” Madzikatire — has remained optimistic to fulfil his father’s wish.

In 1996, Mukadota passed on, sparking fears the iconic actor’s legacy would be interred with his remains.

Taking The Herald Arts Down Memory Lane, Elijah conceded it was hard fitting into the shoes of his departed dad.

Twenty-eight years after his death, Elijah has been holding low key celebrations to mark his father’s legacies.

Elijah, who has settled in Cranborne, Harare, with his wife, Sarah Chikonzo, has not quit showbiz, which made their family popular.

“I reside here in Cranborne with my family and I am still pursuing my calling as a film-maker but it is hard for us without sponsorship. I have productions that are being held at studios because I cannot raise money to foot the bills due to financial constraints.

“As a seasoned creative, I cannot name these producers for professionalism,” he said.

The multi-tasking entertainer, who has tried his best to make an impression in film and drama production, said he was also providing mentorship to youngsters.

“As an elder in this industry, I have come to a point where I realised it’s important to assist youngsters.

“I once starred in Jah Prayzah’s video (Dzamutsana) and I was humbled by the feedback I got.

“Of course many people knew me in the Mukadota series and in the film ‘Everyone’s Child’ but I have been a multi-tasking artist,” he said.

A regular face at Braeside Shopping Centre in Harare, many people have been itching to hear what he has been up to lately.

“I am home most of the times if I am not meeting other yesteryear artists who are trying to revive their careers.

“I was recently contacted by Kireni Zulu to join a movement of yesteryear musicians like Job Mashanda, Shepherd Chinyani, Mitchell Jambo, Knowledge Kunenyati who are working together.

“Kireni’s movement came at a time when most of us were doing nothing at home. We are now fighting drug and substance abuse through this movement,” he said.

Although expectations are high from the fans, Elijah conceded that it was hard living in the shadow of Mukadota.

“That man belonged to another planet because art was his way of life. I had no need to go to any school of arts because he taught me everything at home.

“I had an opportunity to act alongside him and even hold musical shows with him at Ocean City Band.

“Through his influence, I managed to befriend many celebrities of our generations that include Lovemore Majaivana, the late James Chimombe, Tobias Ariketa and Manu Kambani.

“We used to gather at Queens Hotel in Harare where we exchanged notes because of my father’s influence,” recalled Elijah.

In his own capacity, Elijah once fronted The Brave Son Band and at some point his father’s outfit Ocean City Band.

He was born and bred in Mbare where he still has many friends.

One of his childhood friend he normally hangs around with is Paul Kambani, the younger brother to Manu Kambani.

With age catching up with him, Elijah has since “anointed” his son Elijah Madzikatire Junior to venture into film-making.

“I am glad that our son has also learnt something from myself and dad (Mukadota) because he is now into editing.

“I also help him a lot when he needs my expertise.”

As an elder, Elijah has a special advice for upcoming creatives.

“The guys need to rehearse, especially musicians to come with a quality product.

“During our days, we would rehearse for months before recording.

“We would do the same before holding shows. I recall an incident where my father would cancel shows if he felt we were not ready to hold shows,” he said.

Elijah was born on November 8, 1952 in Harare and was the eldest son.

He did his primary and secondary education in Mbare.

As a musician, he recorded several singles while his stint in film-making has been shattered by the lack of financial support .

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