Antony Nakamba Jr (left) , Marvelous’ fiancee Chipo, his mother Charity and father Antony relax at the home that Marvelous bought for them in Bulawayo.
By Sikhumbuzo Moyo
When Chronicle Sport sent him a message at 8am, Anthony Nakamba did not respond and it was the same almost an hour later prompting us to call him directly.
Antony Nakamba Jr (left) , Marvelous’ fiancee Chipo, his mother Charity and father Antony relax at the home that Marvelous bought for them in Bulawayo.
After a few rings without the call being answered, we were about to hang up in disappointment when the former Hwange goalkeeper answered.
When told that we sent him a message an hour earlier, he apologised profusely.
“I am sorry about that, I was dead asleep, having slept just a few hours ago because of celebrations. I am still on cloud nine and so happy for my son,” said Anthony, who was celebrating Aston Villa’s dramatic last day of the season survival following their one-all draw with West Ham at the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Anthony’s son, Marvellous is in the Aston Villa books and was an 82nd minute substitute with the two teams tied 0-0 before an 84th minute goal by skipper Jack Grealish seemed to have all but cemented their stay with the big boys in the top tier league.
However, the lead was short-lived, as West Ham levelled matters moments later through a deflected goal by Andriy Yarmolenko, resulting in a nervy finale for the visitors.
After the referee blew the full time whistle, Marvellous and his teammates were still unsure of their fate and joined together in a team huddle on the pitch, as they awaited results elsewhere.
They, however, soon celebrated joyously, as news filtered through that their point enough to keep them in the Premier League after Watford lost to Arsenal.
“The atmosphere in the house was tense one could touch it. It was even more emotional when once in a while the cameras would switch to the players on the substitutes’ bench, who included my son. I could only imagine what was going through his mind. At least we were better off because we were also aware of other results elsewhere that had a bearing on Aston Villa’s fate.
“We, however, were not happy with the Bournemouth and Everton scoreline because it meant a goal by West Ham would have seen Villa relegated if they didn’t level matters,” said Anthony.
Bournemouth stunned Everton 3-1 and would have survived had Aston Villa lost to West Ham.
“After the final whistle, we knew it was done and everyone was over the moon. We waited for Marve to call because we knew he was also eager to talk to us just like we were. After a while, he called. He was just delirious, he spoke to everyone before me and him engaged in a very long father to son talk,” said Anthony.
Asked if at any given time he ever thought his son will be playing in the championship next season, Anthony confessed that following four back-to-back defeats just before matches were put on hold due to the coronavirus outbreak, he had those fears.
“I must confess that at one time those thoughts were with us, even when I spoke to my son, I could sense a feeling of dejection, which told me that perhaps he too was having those fears, but what struck me was that he assured me that they will fight like lions to stay up.
“A ray of hope started coming to me with that draw against Everton and they beat Arsenal I knew that Aston Villa will not be relegated, but eish, I am so happy man. I know every other Zimbabwean out there is happy too,” said Anthony.
Defensive midfielder Marvellous had 33 appearances for Aston Villa and made 65 tackles.
He became an Aston Villa player on August 1, 2019, joining from Belgian side Club Brugge. The Chronicle
Three farm workers have been arrested after they allegedly teamed up and fatally assaulted a man after detaining him overnight for stealing from one of them. Stanton Ncube (35), Lungile Sibanda (38) and Matshidiso Tshuma (53) who are employed at Swallow Folk Farm in Gwanda allegedly took turns to assault Brighton Kirimboyi (24) and they detained him overnight.
Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele confirmed the incident which occurred at Swallow Folk Farm on Wednesday last week.
He said Ncube found Kirimboyi in the process of stealing his belongings in his room and alerted his workmates.
“I can confirm that we recorded a murder case which occurred at Swallow Folk Farm in Gwanda. The now deceased Brighton Kirimboyi broke into the room of one of the accused persons Stanton Ncube at around 5PM where he took a wallet which contained R1 500 and he also took and cell phone and torch,” he said.
“Ncube arrived and found Kirimboyi in the process of committing the offence and they started fighting. Ncube called out for his two workmates who arrived and ganged up against Kirimboyi. They took turns to assault him with a sjambok and they detained him overnight.”
Chief Insp Ndebele said the following morning, the trio called Kirimboyi’s mother and advised her to come and collect her son who was seriously injured. He said Kirimboyi’s mother went there at around 9AM and while they were on their way to report the matter at Makhado Police Station, he died.
Chief Insp Ndebele said the matter was reported to the police and Kirimboyi’s body was ferried to Beitbridge District Hospital.
He urged members of the public to desist from taking the law into their own hands.
“As police we continue to urge people to desist from taking the law into their own hands. If they apprehend suspects, they should hand them over to the police and allow the law to take its course.
“In this case these men were supposed to apprehend the suspect and surrender him to the police upon catching him while committing the offence. By taking the law into their hands people will just be committing an offence,” he said. The Chronicle
High Court judges have come out against Chief Justice Luke Malaba for directing them to present their judgments to the Judge President or himself before delivering them, saying his actions were meant to curtail the independence of the Judiciary and directly influence the justice delivery system in the country.
Chief Justice Luke Malaba
Justice Malaba on July 17 amended his directive made a day earlier requiring that “before a judgment or an order of the High Court or Labour Court is issued or handed down, it should be seen and approved by the head of court or division,” and replaced it with one that read that such judgments “should be seen by the head of court/division”.
But in a memo to Judge President Justice George Chiweshe dated July 22, the judges said the chief justice’s directive was highly objectionable and asked him to revoke it.
They also argued that it was impractical that the head of court or the heads of divisions would “see” every judgment or order before it is handed down.
“Judges of the High Court, at all the stations, wish to bring it to the attention of the Hon Chief Justice that, paragraph2 (iv) and (v) of the directive, even as amended, is highly objectionable and completely unacceptable for a number of reasons, not least: by some administrative
fiat, it is effectively sought to impugn and seriously undermine the independence of a judge who, in terms of the Constitution, is appointed as an individual to exercise, without fear or favour, such of the functions as are reposed by law,” the judges said.
They said Justice Malaba had misdirected himself in trying to bring judges under the control and direction of other judges, affecting their independence.
“In the exercise of his or her judicial functions, such as making decisions and handing them down, a judge does not operate under any other judge or person or body. The directive to have the head of court or division ‘see’ a judgment or order before they are handed down lacks precision as to what this means practically, and what the ‘seer’ ought to do after ‘seeing’,” they wrote.
Justice Malaba has tried to tone down his directive after facing fire from international judges and lawyers.
The local judges questioned the directive to have the head of court or division “see” a judgment or order before it is handed down which they said lacked precision as to what that meant practically, and what the “seer” ought to do after “seeing”.
“Contrary to the position as stated in Paragraph 2(v) that only the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court have final jurisdiction, the High Court is itself a superior court with original jurisdiction in all matters except those limited or removed by law; it has final jurisdiction and its judgments are binding throughout the land unless if set aside on appeal,” they said.
“It is an age-old practice that has stood the test of time that in suitable cases, a judge of the High Court can issue orders which the parties who appear before him or her can fully act upon in the meantime as he or she prepares the reasons for his or her decision, if they are required, or if an appeal is intended or has been noted.”
They pointed out that even judicial officers in inferior courts such as magistrates do not have to have their judgments or orders “seen” by someone else before they are delivered.
Africa Judges and Jurists Forum in South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe last week described Justice Malaba’s directive as unconstitutional and a threat to judicial independence.
Justice Malaba’s directive comes at a time civil society and opposition parties have raised concern over what they see as the Judiciary’s failure to maintain its independence, particularly in political disputes. News Day
Zanu-PF Treasurer General who also doubles as Acting Secretary for Legal Affairs, Patrick Chinamasa (Picture via ZBC News)
By Nyashadzashe Ndoro
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s under fire administration on Monday threatened the United States ambassador to Zimbabwe with expulsion, accusing him of “coordinating violence” ahead of anti-government protests scheduled for 31 July 2020.
Zanu PF acting spokesperson Patrick Chinamasa
Zanu PF acting spokesperson Patrick Chinamasa accused Brian Nichols of sponsoring violent demonstrations aimed at overthrowing Mnangagwa and his administration.
When Mnangagwa overthrew the late former president Robert Mugabe via a military coup in November 2017 he pledged a clean break with his predecessor’s hard-line stance towards the West.
He pledged to roll out a reform agenda anchored on a re-engagement drive aimed at bringing Zimbabwe back to the community of nations.
Mnangagwa’s administration has effectively abandoned its international re-engagement agenda as evidenced by public confrontations with the US and other western countries. Chinamasa said the US ambassador was a “thug” sponsoring violent demonstrations in Zimbabwe.
“The US ambassador who I’m told is African American, he must be totally ashamed of himself. He continues to engage in acts of undermining this Republic, mobilising and funding disturbances, coordinating violence and training insurgency.
“Our leadership will not hesitate to give him marching orders. Diplomats should not behave like thugs. Brian Nichols is a thug,” Chinamasa said.
“We remind him that he is not a super diplomat in this country. There are several diplomats that are seconded to this republic from the African Union member countries and the world over. They have never masqueraded and pretended to be our prefects as Mr Nichols is doing,” Chinamasa added.
The accusations by Mnangagwa’s regime are coming a few days before the planned 31 July protests against corruption in government.
The convenor of the protest, opposition Transform Zimbabwe leader Jacob Ngarivhume was arrested Monday last week by the police and charged with inciting violence.
On the same day, investigative journalist Hopewell Chin’ono who recently exposed alleged government corruption involving President Mnangagwa’s son, Collins in the supply of coronavirus supplies, was arrested and charged with inciting citizens to “participate in public violence.”
In life the say there is only one constant that is change. But for Zimbabweans of different generations from that of Father Zimbabwe, through to the born “frees” and the Millenniums the common constant is the lack of freedoms.
Anger: Supporters of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change party (MDC) of Nelson Chamisa burn an election banner with the face of Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Harare
These freedoms have been elusive due to the ZANU PF deceit and misinformation. As the inter-generations of Zimbabweans are coming together for the 31st July 2020 protests, ZANU PF misinformation machinery is now on overdrive. But lies have short legs.
In democracies the 31st of July 2020 protest would be viewed just like the elections in terms of citizen engagement, not as a terrorist act as the government is insinuating. In democracy there is a plethora of activities that the citizens can use to hold their governments to account these are elections, referendums, protests, constitutional making process among others.
Such activities are formally enshrined in powerful symbols of democracy and rule of law worldwide such as the Magna Carta, and the Code of Napoleon.
The activities also manifest informally at local level. Therefore it is not due to the benevolence of ZANU PF and its government that sections 58, 59 and 61 of our constitution provides Zimbabweans with the right and responsibility to demand accountability and ensure that government acts in the best interest of the people through protests. Constitutionally guaranteed rights are not tokens, neither are they privileges that are given and withdrawn whenever ZANU PF deems fit.
Contrary to the demonisation of the NGOs by ZANU PF, research has it that civil society through NGOs are instrumental in channelling citizens voice, the 31st July style through engaging with political parties, elected representatives and relevant actors.
ZANU PF’s spokesperson Patrick Chinamasa refers to the Civil society as the Evil society, but to the world over, the civil society is respected as a counterweight for accountability.
In the last 50 years the world has seen an exponential growth of NGOs. The presence and growth of NGOs in Zimbabwe cannot be attributed to the so called country’s detractors. The ZANU PF narrative peddled by its gurus and their “hired” sympathisers is totally out of sync with worldwide trends.
The war veteran leader Christopher Mutsvangwa refers to the organisers of the 31 July protest as instigators. He vows that the so called triangle of power, comprising of the people, the security establishment and their war veterans are in support of the government as a result, they will not allow the demonstration to take place. As usual he blames sanctions for the state of the economy.
This so called triangle of power is exactly what is wrong with Zimbabwe not sanctions. In democracies governments derive their authority and power from the people not from the security establishment or War veterans nor some other pressure group.
Zimbabweans know very well that it is the top-down diktat of ZANU PF that has brought Zimbabwe to its knees. Behind the camouflage a lot has happened from the COVID-19 graft scandal of 2020 to the Samson Paweni maize scandal of 1982 ceteris paribus. Zimbabweans on the 31st July are demanding their freedom to hold the government to account.
ZANU PF youth have joined its government in accusing Hopewell Chin’ono, and Jacob Ngarivhume of inciting the people to protest on the 31st of July 2020. This is a typical case of “If you want to kill your dog accuse him of having rabies”. The issue of inciting people is neither here nor there.
Scholars like the Nobel laureate Amartya Sen argue strongly that participating in such an activity as the 31st July one has an intrinsic value.
According to the Economist and Philosopher Sen, participating in one’s developmental through open and non-discriminatory processes, having a say without fear and speaking up against perceived injustices and wrongs are fundamental freedoms that are integral to one’s well being and quality of life.
It is the desire to claim these freedoms that will make Zimbabweans take a stand on the 31st of July, not Chin’ono, or Ngarivhume, or Chamisa or any other person.
Such freedoms have been elusive for a long time to Zimbabweans as observed by Father Zimbabwe Joshua Nkomo in 1984 when he said “The hardest lesson of my life has come to me late. It is that a nation can win freedom without its people becoming free”.
Scholars like Mansuri and Rao state that participating in the 31st July kind of activity has an instrumental value. Engaging as citizens in such type of activities is seen as a means to achieving improved public service delivery, better and maintained infrastructure, social cohesion and improved government accountability etc.
Zimbabweans know very well that had it not been for the rent seeking activities of state officials Zimbabwe could still be the Jewel of Africa as the late President of Tanzania Julius Nyerere described it at independence in 1980. Zimbabweans have been talking about how the corruption is haemorrhaging the nation well before sanctions were put in place.
In the late 1980s from Harare Thomas Mapfumo sang about the “something for something, nothing for nothing” scenario in his song Corruption.
The bribery culture had taken root in our society. From Victoria Falls the group Mandebvu in their song Ndangariro talk of “vano pfurira gumbomushuga vamwe vachidya nhoko dzezvironda”. This is in the 1980s as social cohesion was increasingly under threat.
From Plumtree in the late 1980s we heard the late Solomon Skuza in his song, Love and Scandals lamenting about corruption and the culture of unaccountability. True to the song the media relied on information leaks to expose the Willowgate scandal in which a number of government officials were implicated including the current Speaker of the House of Parliament Jacob Mudenda.
ZANU PF has always had a culture of tightly controlling information so that it can cover-up its corrupt activities. This explains why ZANU PF government is going after Hopewell Chin’ono for exposing the COVID-19 graft scandal among others.
All those who are providing information that the public need to hold government to account are being called names Twitter brigades, Stooges, puppets etc. Honestly politics cannot be an art of governing men by deceiving them. No. Information is paramount for accountability.
As we entered the 1990s from Mutare Hosiah Chipanga lamented the amassing of wealth by those in authority creating a society of haves and have- nots in his song Taiona Moto. Even though his audiences would always roar “vapange Chipanga” those in authority have not known how to listen.
In his song “I shall not speak” Albert Nyathi all the way from Gwanda spoke volumes about the nepotism and the intolerance. Among other things that he complained about was to be denied “a diet of words”. They still do not want to see this diet on the Zimbabwean menu in 2020; hence the political “malnutrition” in our country.
How else can one possibly explain the recalling of MDC-A MPs by MDC-T. Can one ever expect a robust debate in Parliament or we are heading for a rubber stamping Parliament.
In view of this it is important to be cognisance of the fact that political voice is not just about “polite debate”. The prominent UK academic Frances Stewart says the political voice often is channelled in ways that are more contentious, and disruptive. Hence the 31 July protest is such an attractive option.
The late Edwin Hama or Squatter Ambassador as the man who hailed from Gokwe was affectionately known took the music by storm with his “prophetic” songs such as Asila mali and Today’s paper. The Squatter Ambassador highlighted the slippery slope that the country was in economically in the 1990s. The dissemination of information ranks high on the song today’s paper.
Then the paper was the main source of information for the citizens to make informed decisions about their lives. Today Social media is more popular as a source of information and that explains why the government is going hard on those who tweet information considered unpalatable by the state.
One of coping strategies in a declining economy is to migrate to better managed economies. This is sufficiently captured by Lovemore Majaivana from Bulawayo in his song Sayiwela.
Our people have been braving to cross the crocodile infested Limpopo into South Africa and further afield in large numbers. Majaivana also yearns for quality leadership of the departed War veterans. These were War veterans par excellence the one whose “straps” of sandals (or boots to be precise) the Mutsvangwa’s, Matemadanda’s and the rest were unworthy to untie.
Therefore the anti-corruption talk has been happening from Mutare to Plumtree, from Victoria Falls to Beitbridge. Nick Mangwana would like to mislead the nation into believing that the anti-corruption fight is only a Harare initiative, far from it.
The “loading” of the 31st of July 2020 protest is proving to be a coalescing of diverse Zimbabwean voices to hold the state accountable and make it responsive to our needs.
The challenge that the state faces is it lacks the commitment and capacity to respond to the citizen demands. As a result it is intensifying the intimidating tactics, and grip on captured state institutions. The lack of rule of law is becoming more overt with each day that passes.
Whichever way, Zimbabweans need to be heard and they shall be heard.
Danmore Sithole, Economic Development Practitioner
Justice Mayor Wadyajena seen here with his political godfather then Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa
By Moses Matenga
The ruling Zanu PF youth league has sensationally claimed that President Emmerson Mnangagwa was under threat from within his own party and accuses some insiders of working with exiled officials to dislodge him.
Justice Mayor Wadyajena seen here with his political godfather then Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa
Zanu PF youth league secretary for administration in Mnangagwa’s stronghold of Midlands province, Justice Mayor Wadyajena said the youths would defend their leader.
He accused some senior party officials of working with the former Zanu PF elements ousted in 2017 when former leader, the late Robert Mugabe was removed in a coup, and of leaking sensitive information to tarnish Mnangagwa’s image and justify an uprising.
“We the youth league are a peaceful and peace-loving body, but stand ready to take up positions in our millions to peacefully defend ourselves on the 31st of July, 2020. We will do everything in our means to prevent violence of any kind and prevent the spilling of any blood whatsoever or playing into the hands of those who would want to have the country further sanctioned and divided,” the Gokwe-Nembudziya legislator, said in a statement.
“While we are faced with this global COVID-19 crisis, another invisible enemy’s hand has now been exposed for funding our own sons, daughters, brothers and sisters to turn against their own. The enemy is now among us.
“We must remain resolute and united in defending the revolution and the goals of the new dispensation. Our President has a clear and ambitious vision for our country which needs our utmost support and faith. In not supporting this vision, we fail generations to come.”
Wadyajena added: “Equally worrying is the leaking of sensitive and confidential documents to characters such as the exiled and discredited Jonathan Moyo. As the President has stated, we indeed have wolves in sheep’s clothing within Zanu PF ranks and civil service surreptitiously working with infiltrators and turncoats to destabilise this government. We call upon authorities to hunt down those compromised comrades, weed them and decisively deal with them.”
Wadyajena said while corruption should be fought vigorously, there were malicious efforts to “assassinate” Mnangagwa’s character and justify illegal protests.
“We warn against and take exception to regime change sponsors who have usurped the corruption narrative in futile attempts to assassinate the character of the President in the hope that Zimbabweans will take to the streets.”
Mnangagwa and his family have been implicated in several corrupt activities including the alleged abuse of COVID-19 medical procurement involving millions of dollars by Drax International, a company linked to Delish Nguwaya, an associate of the First Family. Nguwaya was arrested and is out on $50 000 bail.
Wadyajena accused opposition MDC Alliance and some elements in the civic society of also being behind a plot to oust the Zanu PF leader and urged authorities to act.
Zanu PF Matabeleland South provicnail youth chairperson Washington Nkomo said: “We will not stand akimbo when people’s properties are destroyed and when our much-cherished peace is disturbed. We stand to defend our communities against such criminality and support officers on the frontlines.” News Day
The Zimbabwean Parliament has been suspended after two legislators, a driver and a journalist tested positive for the coronavirus.
Parliament of Zimbabwe
In a statement seen by Nehanda Radio, Clerk of Parliament, Kennedy Chokuda said the National Assembly has suspended its business including sittings of both Houses, Committee workshops, public hearings and site visits after two legislators and a journalist tested positive of the virus.
“This serves to advise all Members of Parliament that the business of Parliament, including sittings of both Houses, Committee workshops, public hearings and site visits, has been suspended with immediate effect to a date to be advised.
“This has been necessitated, regrettably, by the fact that two Members of Parliament have tested positive for COVID-19 while on official duty.
“The suspension of business will allow us to deep-clean and disinfect the building while also guaranteeing the safety of Members, staff and members of the public who interface with the institution.
Members of the National Assembly who are still in their constituencies are advised to remain there until further notice.
“A driver from one of our service providers and a journalist who were part of the team also tested positive,” Chokuda said.
It took Zimbabwe only five months to reach 1,000 Covid-19 cases and within a week the country is approaching 3,000.
As of Monday, there were 2, 650 confirmed cases, including 518 recoveries and 34 deaths.
For the past two weeks, the country has been registering an average of 717 cases per week.
A group of suspected state security agents abducted MDC Alliance Youth Assembly National Executive member from Bulawayo, Takunda Madzana and “gruesomely” fractured parts of his body before dumping him in the bush on Sunday night.
Takunda Madzana
The clampdown by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s regime is coming a few days before the planned 31 July protests against corruption in government.
The convenor of the protest, opposition Transform Zimbabwe leader Jacob Ngarivhume was arrested Monday last week by the police and charged with inciting violence.
On the same day, investigative journalist Hopewell Chin’ono who recently exposed alleged government corruption involving President Mnangagwa’s son, Collins in the supply of coronavirus supplies, was arrested and charged with inciting citizens to “participate in public violence.”
MDC Alliance National Youth Assembly has condemned the abduction of their members and accused the State of wanting to silence dissenting voices.
“MDC Alliance Youth Assembly National Executive member from Bulawayo Takunda Madzana is battling for life after a night of horror at the hands of state agents ahead of 31 July protests.
“Madzana was abducted at his home by a group of unknown assailants who gruesomely fractured his body parts before dumping him in the bush.
“Since the illegitimate Emmerson Mnangagwa’s regime took over through a coup in 2017 abductions have become a new norm whenever citizens raise their voices against their nervous conditions.
“As an Assembly, we would like to make it clear that we are not going to be intimidated from speaking against corruption and its drivers.
“Let it be known that the time is now ripe to return fire by fire especially on abductions,” MDC Youth Assembly National Spokesperson, Stephen Sarkozy Chuma said in a statement.
Political commentator, Pedzisai Ruhanya condemned the “pattern” of abductions.
“There is a pattern that is emerging in the past 48 hours in Zimbabwe; reports of abductions are being reported ahead of 31 July. This we must speak out against and the state has an obligation to protect its citizens. STOP ABDUCTIONS. Free Hopewell and Jacob,” Ruhanya said. Nehanda Radio
The trial of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s estranged wife Marry Mubaiwa Chiwenga was today deferred after she told the court that she cannot stand trial because of ill-health.
Marry Chiwenga (Picture by ZimboJam.com)
Mubaiwa, through her lawyer Ms Beatrice Mtetwa, told the court that she was still recovering and needs more time to heal.
Mubaiwa is facing assault charges after she allegedly attacked her former maid Delight Munyoro.
She appeared before Harare regional magistrate Mrs Marehwanazvo Gofa, who remanded her to September 7 for trial. Mr Charles Muchemwa and Mrs Netsai Mushayabasa prosecuted. The Herald
Man of the moment, Van Choga (VC), exudes a lot of energy in is work, but he is actually the opposite in real life. Hard to believe, is it not?
Van Choga
Reporter Brighton Zhawi (BZ) last week caught up with the 27-year-old singer, real name Valentine Simbarashe Choga, gives us an insight into his life. He also spoke about the new single “Ghetto Rules”, which features Ghana’s “GOAT” hitmaker Ay Poyoo and has taken the country by storm.
BZ: “Ghetto Rules”, which is a couple of weeks old, is doing well on the market, but you are already working on new songs.
VC: There is no rest my brother, time to rest will come later in life. For now, I have to work.
BZ: What are you currently working on?
VC: Singles. I am doing more singles, which you can expect in August.
BZ: You have done well on your hip hop tracks “Ndaka Understander” and “Ghetto Rules”. Should your fans expect more?
VC: I am working on mixed tracks, you will find some Afro hip-hop songs as well as dancehall tunes.
BZ: Your fans are split on which style you should pursue. What is your take?
VC: I understand. The urban fans like the hip hop side, while the outsiders like the “Pindikiti” tracks, those sort of songs. I will keep mixing both. However, I understand hip-hop has an international appeal, which is something I would like. Sean Paul is still in the game because he can fit in dancehall or pop music, whereas someone like Shabba Ranks is mainly dancehall and we rarely hear his music now.
BZ: Who is featured in your upcoming singles?
VC: It’s a surprise (laughs).
BZ: Are they local or foreign surprises?
VC: Both.
BZ: Tell us the “Ghetto Rules” collaboration with Ay Poyoo.
VC: We approached him after seeing his style. We thought we could blend and he worked on the song for two weeks in June. Ndiri wema surprise (I’m full of surprises) (laughs).
BZ: Can you interpret some of AY Poyoo’s lyrics?
VC: He was talking about the ghetto lifestyle from his country. I will share the English lyrics soon.
BZ: Who is ‘Mudhara Kundishora’, the one you sing about in “Ghetto Rules”?
VC: He is an elder in my hood, Ruwa. He likes offering advice to young people. He was surprised and equally happy that I saluted him on the song. I am sure I will be getting more advice now.
BZ: What impact has the lockdown had on your music career?
VC: To be honest it has had a positive effect. This shows God has his ways of raising his people, even in war times others get blessings. I am grateful my music has made such an impact.
BZ: Describe your relationship with Seh Calaz?
VC: We are good brothers, what happened, happened, but I am still in good books with him and perhaps his post (after “Ghetto Rules” release) confirms there is no bad blood.
BZ: We have seen you with upcoming artistes like Avilian during your Yalanation stint. Any upcoming artistes under your wings?
VC: Ooh! We met at the studio and just started sampling some songs They are good artistes with serious potential and I would also like to help some upcoming artistes. I am available for collabos.
BZ: Tell us about the producer Mars on “Ghetto Rules” and others that you have worked with?
VC: Mars is a great man. He is a top producer and I respect all other producers I have worked with, as well as behind the scenes people. As an artiste, it is easy to take all the credit but that is wrong because a lot of people play crucial roles behind the scenes.
BZ: You always mention Mudzviti, is it where you come from?
VC: (Laughs) Not really. I have relatives I often visit there. So I am fascinated by the language spoken in that area. I love it. I come from Njanja.
BZ: So are we going to hear a new line about Njanja perhaps “nevasikana veku Njanja” since there is “Nevakomana vekwa Mudzviti”?
VC: No, by the mentioning Van Choga, Njanja is represented.
BZ: Do you prefer live bands or backtracks?
VC: Live bands are better than using backtracks. I learnt a lot from working with Shabach Band. The guys love music; they are brilliant and a joy to work with. The group boosted my confidence and since then I have decided to always perform with a live band.
BZ: How are you dealing with the pressure that comes with being in the limelight?
VC: You just have to work. What is important is just being unique and that is what I have tried since making my breakthrough. It has not been easy.
I started way back around 2005 and, believe it or not, some people in my area did not want to associate with me, they took me for a madman, but I knew my time would come.
Those people are now back saying ‘tomuziva uyu, ndewedu’ (laughs). I love negative comments, especially on social media, they are a motivation.
When people give you negativity, show character and turn that into positive energy.
BZ: What are some of the misconceptions that you think people have about you?
VC: That I am mad and I take drugs. I am a quiet guy who is uniquely doing art.
BZ: Does Van Choga have a girlfriend or wife?
VC: (Laughs) Van Choga is single, no girlfriend and when I marry the whole nation will know and will be invited to the wedding. Tokudai mese! The Sunday Mail
Stanton Ncube (35), Lungile Sibanda (38) and Matshidiso Tshuma (53) who are employed at Swallow Folk Farm in Gwanda allegedly took turns to assault Brighton Kirimboyi (24) and they detained him overnight.
