Allan Chimbetu opens up on move to ODK

By Prince Mushawevato

HARARE – When surviving Dendera music supremo Allan Chimbetu “ditched” his group the Orchestra Dendera Kings (Central Committee) last year for Suluman Chimbetu’s Orchestra Dendera Kings, many were left with questions rather than answers.

The biggest question was why he had left his throne to become a “servant” in Sulu’s kingdom. Speculation was rife, but the motive behind the move was never really established.

One of the theories formulated was that Allan could no longer handle the pressures, including a waning of fortunes, caused by the rise of Tryson and Sulumani. Others contended that Allan had been a victim of a coup d’etat by his son Douglas, who is now at the helm of the group (Orchestra Dendera Kings (Central Committee).

But 12 months later, after impressive service in the Orchestra Dendera Kings, Allan has opened up, albeit reluctantly, on why he made the move.

“I know a lot has been said about my move to the Orchestra Dendera Kings led by Sulu. But most of what I have heard and is still being said is far from the truth,” he said.

The Dendera father figure said founding principles and visions for the genre, as expounded and desired by the late maestro Simon, prompted him to rejoin Sulu.

“Simon had a greater and encompassing vision and what we were doing surely made him turn in his grave,” said Allan.

Bickering and contests of who was the best reigned supreme before Allan rejoined Sulu, causing tension between “father” and “son”. The rise and success of other groups and average delivery from the Dendera camps then rankled and forced Allan to take drastic measures.

“I have no regrets whatsoever for the so-called ‘abandoning’ of my group (Orchestra Dendera Kings Central Committee), which I shared with my son.

“The thing is after seeing what others were doing and where we were, compared to my late brother’s dream, I realised the importance of a united Dendera. Our feuds were against the views and principles of the Dendera founders,” explained Allan.

With his son Douglas having fast become his own man and eager to leave the cradle to cut his teeth in the industry, Allan said, it made no musical sense to have yet another Dendera outfit, in addition to those already in existence.

In fact, the talented artiste said he tried to bring together the family to form one strong unit, but the idea proved difficult.

The closest that a Dendera united has been possible was at Andy Millar Hall this year on March 22 during Naison Chimbetu’s commemoration show. On the day, the Chimbetus, namely Sulu, Allan, Douglas, Tryson and their sisters including Miriam, Saiwe and Memory, all went on stage.

“It does not make sense to have Allan, Douglas, Sulu and Tryson with different bands pushing the same Dendera agenda and also playing an almost similar playlist at shows. Our efforts should be co-ordinated, this way we can archive more.

“Instead of letting my son form another band, my experience and observations showed that it was much wiser to rejoin Sulu who had the original Dendera group. I realised that there was no need for me to add more confusion to our fans,” he said, adding, “besides, this is the group that I have worked with for the greater part of my life.”

Allan said the decision by Simon to have Sulu disband his band in 2004, called the Trackers, proved that the man was against the idea of numerous Dendera outfits. He indicated that it was the reason why other Chimbetu brothers, Briam included, would get chances to record their songs using Simon’s band.

“My brother (Simon) was against the idea of forming different dendera groups. All the guy ever wanted was to create a huge Dendera brand that would give each and every individual a chance to perform. Simon always fought to unite the family no matter what the circumstances. He would every now and then check to see if Naison as well as other family members were okay,” he said.

Commenting on the so-called “Dendera feud”, the talented Dendera crooner said he has done all he can as the father figure to ensure that relations between his children Sulu, Tryson and Douglas normalise.

“We (Simon and fellow brothers) understood each other very well, I guess being young and impressionable and having different aspirations has gotten the better of the youngsters. I am afraid the idea of fame and wanting to occupy the same top position, which is not possible, has everyone wanting to do his own thing,” said Allan.

He added: “I have told my boys Sulu, Tryson and Douglas, that we are in the same jungle with the same mission and there is no need to fight. I’m glad there are now signs of maturity on their part. They now attend each other’s shows whenever possible. The vision is all about love and progression.”

Going forward, Allan expressed that he was and will be there to assist each member of the family in whatever way without being selective. The Sunday Mail