Lwazi Tshabangu Reflects on the Legacy of Majaivana as He Celebrates His Musical Journey

Lwazi Tshabangu, a renowned exponent of Mbaqanga and Afro-jazz, recently expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the chance to work with the iconic Lovemore “Majaivana” Tshuma during the final months of the latter’s illustrious musical career. The 54-year-old crooner, dancer, and pianist shared his appreciation for the invaluable lessons in humility and discipline that he learned from Majaivana, who was a major influence in Zimbabwe’s music scene.

Tshabangu, who hails from Bulawayo, described his time working with Majaivana as a bittersweet experience. Despite the challenges, he acknowledged the privilege of collaborating with one of the greatest figures in Zimbabwean music history at such a pivotal stage in his own career. He reflected on the profound impact Majaivana had on his professional development, noting, “Growing up in Bulawayo, Majaivana was every child’s role model, and we all recognised his contributions to the industry.”

Their collaboration began before Majaivana left Zimbabwe for the United States. Through Albert Nyathi, Tshabangu had the opportunity to work as a backing vocalist, which he believes greatly shaped his understanding of music. Majaivana, despite his legendary status, always treated his bandmates with respect and kindness, creating a comfortable environment that fostered a deep sense of respect among them.

However, Tshabangu did express a sense of disappointment at not having recorded with Majaivana before he departed for the US. “I would have loved to record one of the songs with him before he left us, but it was too late,” Tshabangu lamented. “The man simply left for the US and seemed to have lost interest in music, which meant that we had to try other avenues.”

While their professional relationship was brief, it had a lasting impact on Tshabangu’s musical journey. He shared that he had never heard from Majaivana since his departure more than two decades ago, but his mentor remains a source of inspiration. “He might be away, but he still remains my hero,” said Tshabangu, reflecting on the importance of cherishing such musical icons for their role in shaping the landscape of Zimbabwean music.

Today, Tshabangu continues to honor Majaivana’s legacy by performing some of his classic hits, including “Isono Sami,” “Umoya,” “Angila Mali,” and “Emagumeni.” These covers, performed with his own distinctive style, are a tribute to the timeless music of Majaivana, who remains a cherished figure in the Zimbabwean music community.

Tshabangu also spoke about his own music career, acknowledging that while he doesn’t have a vast catalog of albums, he is confident in his work. “My genre is a bit special, and I am convinced that the two albums I have are okay,” he said. His first album, Kumnyama, was released in 2001, followed by Ithuba Lami in 2005, which was nominated for a ZIMA award.

As a seasoned musician, Tshabangu remains active in the music scene, performing regularly at local venues, including Cresta Jameson in Harare. He is proud of his loyal team, which has been with him for years, and his diverse contributions to the music industry, from being an instrumentalist and producer to curating national musical galas.

Tshabangu also took a moment to thank the dedicated fans of Mbaqanga and jazz who continue to support him, especially those who request Majaivana’s songs during his live performances. “It’s always encouraging when people attend your shows and leave satisfied,” he said. For Tshabangu, these moments of connection with his audience are a reminder of the importance of keeping the legacy of Zimbabwean music alive.

As Zimbabwe approaches its 45th anniversary of independence, musicians like Tshabangu play a vital role in preserving the rich musical heritage of the nation, offering both a nod to the past and a forward-looking vision for the future. Through his performances and dedication to his craft, Tshabangu ensures that the music of yesteryear continues to inspire new generations of fans.