Majaivana to compile own songs

OF sons of late music  legends following their fathers' footsteps, it's Sulumani Chimbetu and Peter "Young Igwe" Moyo that feature prominently.

In Bulawayo, Derrick, son of Lovemore Majaivana is also in the same league of these young musicians who want to step into their fathers' shoes.

Though still alive, Lovemore's music is long lost in the 1980s record bars, save for the fans that still enjoy the old songs up to now.

Like Sulumani, Majaivana's musical heir has decided to do a full compilation of his own songs, in an album yet to be released this month.

Derrick first appeared in the musical circles in 2011 after revamping the Zulu Band, which was formed by his United States-based father. However, young Majaivana renamed it New Zulu Band.

Initially before carrying over this mammoth task ahead of him, Derrick got mentored by the dub poet Albert Nyathi. This was to ensure that young Majaivana succeeds in his endeavour.

The 34-year-old was lucky enough to get night shift slots to stage live performances in Cape to Cairo and Horizon, some of the famous pubs in Bulawayo.

He has brushed shoulders with musical gurus such as Oliver Mtukudzi, whom he shared a stage with at the Amphitheatre last year.

He has opened the stage for prominent artistes such as Nicholas Zacharia and his peer Sulumani in a number of shows.

All the efforts were to revive his self-exiled father's musical legacy which appears to be fading away.

The young musician usually plays most of his father's previous hits such as Umoya Wami, Isono Sami, Intandane and Isitimela.

So, could he strike the right code this time around?

These performances certainly gave him the necessary exposure needed by any budding artiste.

However, young Majaivana has not been spared criticism, which is good anywhere for any wise artiste, to polish up their weaknesses.

Last year, he was a man of many controversies, as critics cried foul over his drinking habits. They cited that his passionate love for the wise waters negatively impacted on his newly found career.

Some argued there was no match in his voice articulation with that of his father's. It was alleged that he sometimes sang with a discord. This is because in all his performances, young Majaivana tried to imitate his father.

Similar criticisms were levelled on Peter Moyo, the son of the late legend Tongai "Dewa" Moyo.

The "Young Igwe", as he is popularly known, took over his father's band, Utakataka Express, hoping to fill the gap that Dewa left.

Just like young Majaivana, Peter sings most of his father's hits whenever he stages live performances.

Critics have also hinted that the Young Igwe's voice articulation is far from that of his late father. The two have to definitely prove to the world what they are capable of.

However, 2013 seems to be the ideal year for young Majaivana to prove to his detractors what he is worth.

The former police officer is preparing to launch his debut album titled Bayamemeza later this month. Owing to financial constraints, Majaivana failed to launch it in December last year and February this year.

This month, he seems to be ready to surprise his father's fans with his new offer. He has promised to maintain his father's legacy and probably take it to greater heights.

"I am ready to surprise the followers of my father's music. I hope to carry over my father's musical legacy as people have been clamouring for his comeback. This new offer will reveal my desire to feel the gap my father left," Majaivana said.

Songs in his album include tracks like Angeke Ngivume, Intandane, Umoya Wami (remix), Kontuthu, Intandane and Ithendele which praises Highlanders Football Club.

The album was recorded with Diamonds Studios in Harare.

Fans are eagerly waiting to taste what young Majaivana has prepared for them. This will be a benchmark to check how he will match up to his respected father.