Leonard Zhakata continues to rise

Zora music icon Leonard Zhakata's star continues to rise as witnessed by his recent live shows which are proving to be spectacular showcases, reminding audiences of his hey days when he released the all time hit Mugove, Daily News reports.

A Christmas performance in KweKwe on Sunday was all that Santa ordered as the sungura star took audiences down memory lane with his socially conscious infested songs.

For those who had counted Zhakata out of Zimbabwe's leading pack of entertainers, a rethink is necessary because since the release of his latest album, Gotwe everything else seems to be back.

The audience is back and attending his shows in droves while his stage performance has upped a gear.

With his three male dancers donning some fancy suits, the smartly dressed Zhakata blended so well with the outfit on Sunday as they put up high energy dances that sent crowds calling for more.

And true to form, his catalogue of yester-year songs won the night as revellers sang along many of his classic songs from Batai Mazwi to Gomba Remarara.

Speaking after the spectacular performance that spilled into the early hours of Monday, Zhakata said it was sheer hard work that was finally paying off.

"We have continued to work hard as a band and all this against several odd forces that could have seen the demise of the group," said Zhakata.

The singer said hit songs were not always coming with every release. "Our new album Gotwe has brought something special and we are spreading the word through it. All songs on the release are potential chart toppers and they touch on various themes, from love, sorrow and social conflict within the society."

But what had happened to his fans and why this sudden rise?

"The sudden upsurge in our show attendance is nothing unusual as we always believed we had our loyal fans. These are fans who for the past years continued to follow us even when some of our songs were censored," said Zhakata.

The sungura hit maker said while some fans had also bought to the idea that he was too political, they had realised that it was all but a farce.

"The fans are my best judge and I am sure they have absolved me of singing politics. I do not sing politics. My songs are just social commentary and I do not blame those who think my music is politically incorrect because anyone can interpret it to suit his or her own agenda," said the Zora star.

Zhakata said the past three years were not easy for him and the band.

"A lot transpired during the past three years with the most difficult time being when government introduced the multi-currency system. Then no one could afford to pay entry fees like the ones we are charging today with others even opting to pay a dollar for two people."

The Zora musician said the aforementioned period was so challenging to the band as he had to continuously pay his 15 members.

"We laboured through those tough times and managed to survive the storm. For the band members who remained loyal things are paying off now and I am happy that they have also realised this and were grateful."

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