Popular musician Andy Muridzo says he remains grateful for the support he continues to receive from major arts organisations despite a career frequently overshadowed by controversy and personal scandals.
The Jeetaz Band frontman was speaking after performing at the Harare provincial finals of the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival held at Werras Gardens over the weekend.
Muridzo, 33, said the confidence shown in him by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dancers Association (ZNTDA) had strengthened his resolve to continue pursuing his music career and promoting Zimbabwean culture.
The singer acknowledged that negative publicity has often followed him throughout his journey in the entertainment industry, but said he is working to be a positive example for others.
“Most of the time I am portrayed as a hot head but I am trying my best to lead by example,” Muridzo said.
“I am just an ordinary lad who is driven by passion for my job. I think I was born a musician and I want to be a role model.”
The musician said he was pleasantly surprised by the support he continues to receive from institutions committed to developing the country’s arts sector.
“I didn’t know that I still have organisations which support my vision, and I will always cherish this love. To be given this kind of an opportunity is more than a triumph for me,” he said.
Muridzo also praised organisers of the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival for preserving Zimbabwe’s cultural identity through traditional dance and music.
“It is encouraging that we still have associations committed to preserving our identity through initiatives such as these festivals,” he said.
“I will always support such programmes both as an artist and as someone who loves Zimbabwean culture.”
This year’s competition is being held under the theme “Ngoma Ngairire Shamwari, Tshay’sgubhu Mngane.”
Provincial winners are set to receive US$2,500, while second and third-placed groups will take home US$1,500 and US$1,000 respectively.
At national level, the winning group will pocket US$15,000, with runners-up receiving US$10,000 and US$7,500.
The provincial contests began on May 9 and are scheduled to conclude on July 11 ahead of the national finals.
Beyond competing for prize money, participating groups are showcasing traditional dances and customs from different parts of Zimbabwe, with consolation prizes also set aside for all entrants.
Delta Beverages, the long-time sponsor of the festival, has been commended for its continued investment in Zimbabwe’s cultural sector and support for the preservation of traditional heritage.
Muridzo’s remarks come after years in which his private life and off-stage controversies frequently dominated headlines, often overshadowing his musical achievements.
The “Delilah” hitmaker has been linked to several high-profile relationship scandals over the years.
In 2020, he made headlines after he was allegedly assaulted by a man who accused him of having a relationship with his wife. Muridzo later claimed he was unaware the woman was married.
His turbulent love life has also attracted significant media attention.
His marriage to Rumbidzayi Mwabvu reportedly collapsed amid allegations of infidelity, while his relationships with former wife Chido Manyange, popularly known as Mai Keketso, and other partners have repeatedly played out in the public eye.
Muridzo has also been linked to controversy involving dancer Beverly Sibanda, who in 2017 claimed she was carrying his child following an alleged extra-marital affair before later saying she had suffered a miscarriage.
Despite the controversies, Muridzo has remained one of Zimbabwe’s most popular contemporary musicians, producing several hit songs and maintaining a loyal fan base.
His latest comments suggest a determination to focus on his music, cultural preservation and rebuilding his public image.
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