News / National
Zimbabwean Professor breaks new ground in music
5 hrs ago | Views
Zimbabwean medical doctor and haematology expert Professor Zivanai Cuthbert Chapanduka is making waves in South Africa's music scene, gaining recognition under his musical moniker, Prof Daddy or Groovy Dr Zi.
A professor of haematological pathology at Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, and a key figure at Tygerberg Hospital and the National Health Laboratory Service, Prof Chapanduka is better known in music circles for his contributions to the industry. Under the stage name Prof Daddy, he has successfully ventured into music, blending his passion for both medicine and melodies.
His musical journey began with the recording of his first album Mandela is a Giant, a tribute to global statesman Nelson Mandela, which featured the trio Peanuts and Ice-cream in Masvingo's Rhodene low-density suburb. The album, which included a poem dedicated to Mandela, was sent to Madiba before his passing, marking a personal and professional milestone in Chapanduka's career.
In 2022, during an academic visit to the Great Zimbabwe University Medical Faculty, Chapanduka recorded the song Mtshele — Tell Her You Love Her, a cross-lingual piece blending English, Shona, and Nguni. Produced by Teddy of Infinix Studios, the track showcased Prof Daddy's versatility in creating music that resonates across cultures.
Chapanduka's musical collaboration continued in November 2022 with producer Olly van Schalkwyk of Ollyvans Studios in Franschhoek. Together, they produced five singles—Waitwa Sei, Mhururu, World War 4, Woga, and the latest release, Gimme Musiek. His music continues to reflect his diverse influences, which span heavy metal rock, soul, blues, jazz, and reggae. Regionally, he draws inspiration from iconic artists such as Thomas Mapfumo, Oliver Mtukudzi, and the Mahotela Queens, while also admiring the works of South African musicians like Phuz'ekhemisi and Bra Hugh Masekela.
Chapanduka's musical roots run deep, shaped by his childhood experiences. He recalls how the district medical officer McLeod Chitiyo introduced him to singing at age five, sparking his lifelong interest in music. By his secondary school years at Gokomere High School, Chapanduka was already heading his church choir and learning the guitar largely through self-teaching. His first guitar, a gift from his then-girlfriend (later his wife), remains a cherished instrument known affectionately as "Dad's Gun."
The influence of his father, a chorister and multi-instrumentalist, is also evident in Chapanduka's music, as he passed down a love for various musical instruments, from the accordion to traditional drums. Chapanduka's youngest son, Taffy, even composed a blues song at the age of five, which appeared on the Mandela is a Giant album.
Musically, Prof Daddy describes his genre as a fusion of Afro-rock and Afro-pop, though he also identifies with his unique, emerging style—mbakumba rock-based. This style incorporates African rhythms like mbakumba and features traditional instruments such as rattles and shakers.
Despite his busy academic career, which includes teaching, researching, and numerous peer-reviewed publications, Prof Daddy continues to pursue his passion for music. As a visiting professor at the Great Zimbabwe University's Simon Mazorodze School of Medicine, he balances his teaching responsibilities with his musical endeavors.
A teetotaler for 25 years, Prof Daddy is also an accomplished road runner with seven Comrades Marathon medals and multiple Two Oceans Marathon finishes, underscoring his commitment to both physical and creative pursuits.
Prof Daddy's evolution from medical expert to a celebrated musician highlights his versatility and determination, and his music is poised to leave a lasting impact on the South African and international music landscapes.
A professor of haematological pathology at Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, and a key figure at Tygerberg Hospital and the National Health Laboratory Service, Prof Chapanduka is better known in music circles for his contributions to the industry. Under the stage name Prof Daddy, he has successfully ventured into music, blending his passion for both medicine and melodies.
His musical journey began with the recording of his first album Mandela is a Giant, a tribute to global statesman Nelson Mandela, which featured the trio Peanuts and Ice-cream in Masvingo's Rhodene low-density suburb. The album, which included a poem dedicated to Mandela, was sent to Madiba before his passing, marking a personal and professional milestone in Chapanduka's career.
In 2022, during an academic visit to the Great Zimbabwe University Medical Faculty, Chapanduka recorded the song Mtshele — Tell Her You Love Her, a cross-lingual piece blending English, Shona, and Nguni. Produced by Teddy of Infinix Studios, the track showcased Prof Daddy's versatility in creating music that resonates across cultures.
Chapanduka's musical collaboration continued in November 2022 with producer Olly van Schalkwyk of Ollyvans Studios in Franschhoek. Together, they produced five singles—Waitwa Sei, Mhururu, World War 4, Woga, and the latest release, Gimme Musiek. His music continues to reflect his diverse influences, which span heavy metal rock, soul, blues, jazz, and reggae. Regionally, he draws inspiration from iconic artists such as Thomas Mapfumo, Oliver Mtukudzi, and the Mahotela Queens, while also admiring the works of South African musicians like Phuz'ekhemisi and Bra Hugh Masekela.
Chapanduka's musical roots run deep, shaped by his childhood experiences. He recalls how the district medical officer McLeod Chitiyo introduced him to singing at age five, sparking his lifelong interest in music. By his secondary school years at Gokomere High School, Chapanduka was already heading his church choir and learning the guitar largely through self-teaching. His first guitar, a gift from his then-girlfriend (later his wife), remains a cherished instrument known affectionately as "Dad's Gun."
The influence of his father, a chorister and multi-instrumentalist, is also evident in Chapanduka's music, as he passed down a love for various musical instruments, from the accordion to traditional drums. Chapanduka's youngest son, Taffy, even composed a blues song at the age of five, which appeared on the Mandela is a Giant album.
Musically, Prof Daddy describes his genre as a fusion of Afro-rock and Afro-pop, though he also identifies with his unique, emerging style—mbakumba rock-based. This style incorporates African rhythms like mbakumba and features traditional instruments such as rattles and shakers.
Despite his busy academic career, which includes teaching, researching, and numerous peer-reviewed publications, Prof Daddy continues to pursue his passion for music. As a visiting professor at the Great Zimbabwe University's Simon Mazorodze School of Medicine, he balances his teaching responsibilities with his musical endeavors.
A teetotaler for 25 years, Prof Daddy is also an accomplished road runner with seven Comrades Marathon medals and multiple Two Oceans Marathon finishes, underscoring his commitment to both physical and creative pursuits.
Prof Daddy's evolution from medical expert to a celebrated musician highlights his versatility and determination, and his music is poised to leave a lasting impact on the South African and international music landscapes.
Source - newsday
