Josphat ‘haulume’ Somanje falls on hard times

By Problem Masau

“Magitare haasi kubhadhara mwana waamai,” were Josphat Somanje’s welcoming remarks to this news crew during a visit to his home in Marondera on Monday.

During a two-hour-long interview with this reporter, Somanje talked about the story of his life that was full of dramatic incidences, suspense, betrayal, accusations and counter-accusations of witchcraft that seriously affected his relations with his brother Daiton.

However, one thing that was clear is that the “Haulume” hitmaker, who is a composer of repute, has fallen on hard times. A qualified electrician. Josphat says he has had to go back to his old trade in order to bring food on the table for his family.

“I am going everywhere looking for shows, promoters hardly come by these days. My music is no longer in demand,” said Somanje with a resigned look on his face. “I am relying on repairing stoves, irons, rewiring speakers, in fact any electrical goods,” he added.

Somanje said he was planning on recording an album, but was having second thoughts because of piracy.

“I have the urge to record but the mere thought that that I would be fuelling piracy really makes me sick. What is the point of recording an album that will sell only 15 copies?” he asked rhetorically.

For a man who made a name for himself when he was still with Pengaudzoke and even scaled dizzy heights when he branched out on his own, Josphat cannot figure out how his popularity has plummeted to such absymal depths.

Fighting back tears, Somanje was at pains to chronicle his journey from the time he ventured into music, including the Pengaudzoke era when they were rolling in money.

“Back then we would amass a lot of money through royalties. I recall in 1997 after releasing my album ‘Zvibate Pamhaka’ that proved to be a hit, our recording company phoned to tell us we had racked in $29 930. It was a lot of money then and we bought a truck for $15 500, then music was paying not now,” he said.

However, the musician admitted that poor planning and management had contributed to the outfit’s demise.

“We started the band unaware that we would make money in the process, lack of knowledge and reckless spending contributed to our downfall,” Somanje said.

Josphat even believes that the differences he has with his brother, which began when they recorded their first single “Chinhu Chevaridzi” in 1987 probably contributed to his demise.

“The single raked in only $7,50 and everyone including Daiton wanted to leave because of sharp differences on how to use the money. Eventually we agreed to buy clothes and shoes,” he said.

More disagreements followed when they recorded “Kwatakabva Kure Nenhamo”, in 1990, “Seiko Kuonda” in 1993, “Zvibate Pamhaka” 1997 and “Tsaona” in 2000.

“We had no leadership plan and fights followed whenever we recorded a hit album,” he narrated.

It was after the hit album, “Tsaona”, that a major split occurred. But this time around it was not about money but witchcraft.

“My brother Daiton did not understand why I had gone to Malawi without his knowledge. He thought I had gone to look for muti to kill him. In fact, he went to consult a traditional healer about my visit.

“We went to consult different n’angas but that did not mend our relationship and I had to leave to form my own band,” he added.

“Daiton has a special gift of singing that I do not have but I also have a talent that if we join hands, we can produce a masterpiece.

“People should know that we have both contributed to the mess we are in. Sometimes I am correct and sometimes I am wrong, and that is also the case with Daiton,” said the “Haulume” hitmaker.

However, despite the positive spin-offs that accrued when the two brothers work together, the musician has ruled out the prospect of uniting with his brother.

“We don’t click, we are like oil and water,” he said.

Now a devout Christian, Josphat says he wants to spread gospel through music.

“I am now a member of Dunamies Revival International Ministries and would like to praise God in my next album,” he said.

Born to farm labourers in 1968, Somanje had a nomadic childhood, which saw him enrolling on four primary schools and three secondary schools. He finally completed his secondary education at St Francis Chikwaka before enrolling at Harare Polytechnic for a Diploma in Electronic Engineering. The Herald