Zhakata & Chimbetu Managers Clash
By Godwin Muzari
Leonard Zhakata and Sulumani Chimbetu’s security managers clashed recently while promoting shows in Chegutu over the same weekend.
Sources say matters came to a head when the two popular musicians’ security managers exchanged blows following allegations that Zhakata’s team pulled down his rival’s posters last month.
The fist fight was the latest blow to the musicians’ relationship, which went sour after two band members acrimoniously left Zhakata’s Zimbabwe All Stars band to join Chimbetu’s Orchestra Dendera Kings late last year.
Zhakata’s security manager Mupasi Sangani and Chimbetu’s manager only identified as Chiweshe had a misunderstanding after allegations that some of Zhakata’s crew had pulled down posters that advertised Chimbetu’s show in Chegutu.
The two musicians performed at Chegutu Arms Club over one weekend and it is alleged that prior to the shows, Zhakata’s men went around the town pulling down Chimbetu’s posters while putting up their own promotional material.
A week later, sources said, Chiweshe confronted Sangani when they met in the capital prompting a heated argument that turned into a fist fight, which saw the former being thoroughly beaten.
The matter was not reported to the police but Chiweshe last week confirmed that the fight had ensued and threatened to take further action. “Those guys were very rough. They pulled down our posters and put theirs but we got to know about it when we went to Chegutu.
“That was very unprofessional and it threatens our relationship as music groups. I confronted Sangani and he became violent. “Some of us are well-known in Harare and we can make life miserable for them. I could send some people to deal with them and they will not like it. If they want a war, we will retaliate,” fumed Chiweshe, who refused to give out his first name.
Chimbetu was diplomatic on the issue saying: “I heard about it in passing. It is an administrative matter. You can ask the managers. I do not want to jeopardise our good relationship with Zhakata.” Chimbetu’s manager could not be reached for comment but officials from Zhakata’s side said the fight was unnecessary.
Zhakata’s manager Joseph Kupara accused Chiweshe of misunderstanding the Chegutu issue and raising unnecessary alarm. “We were not responsible for sticking posters for that show. A music promoter was hosting the show and he was doing all the advertising. If anything happened to anyone’s posters, it was not our problem.
“But Chiweshe did not understand this. He just confronted Sangani and he was beaten up. It was his fault. He should have sought clarification first,” Kupara said.
However, sources said the clash was a sign of a storm brewing around the two musicians since two members acrimoniously deserted Zhakata for Chimbetu.
Rhythm guitarist Gibson Chisoni and dancer-cum-vocalist Albert Nonge left Zhakata’s band in protest over poor remuneration. They have become key members of Chimbetu’s group.
Source: Zimbabwe Standard
