The Power of Eight: Suluman Chimbetu’s Triumphant Return with “Tsapo”

In cultures across the globe, the number eight is more than just a digit. It stands for prosperity, abundance, power, and balance. In some traditions, it symbolises immortality and eternity. And in Chinese numerology, it is considered incredibly lucky — a magnet for wealth and good fortune.

Could this symbolism be echoing in the life of Zimbabwean Dendera star Suluman Chimbetu as he releases his long-awaited eighth album, Tsapo?

Today marks a major milestone in Sulu’s career as Tsapo — a 14-track double album — makes its official debut, with launch events set for Harare and his hometown of Chegutu. After a five-year hiatus, fans are eager to hear whether this new chapter will not only satisfy their musical appetite but also elevate Sulu back to the pinnacle of Dendera music.

“We are ready for the launch of my eighth album on Friday and Saturday,” Sulu shared. “This is an album we have been working on for years, and we finally decided to release it now due to popular demand from the fans.”

Produced in collaboration with seasoned names like Knowledge Nkoma (Nodza) and Oskid (Prince Tapfuma), Tsapo features a rich mix of new and old talent. Tracks such as “Timba,” “Ngirozi,” “Mweya,” “Chihera,” “Stars,” and “Soul N Heart Instrumental” showcase Sulu’s dedication to quality and diversity. The album also features guitar work by Mokoomba’s Trust Samende and veteran rhythm guitarist Solo Makore, alongside drummers Obert Gomba, Carlton Mparutsa, Prince Kapatsa, and Strovas Shadaya.

Sulu retained his core band, Orchestra Dendera Kings, including long-serving members Moffat Nyamupandu and Knowledge Nkoma. His cousin Douglas Chimbetu, who joined permanently after disbanding his own group, also contributed to the album’s creation.

“I can’t thank my loyal team enough,” Sulu said. “In our genre, it’s better to delay launching an album to ensure it meets high standards.”

Sulu’s previous albums — Ndomusiya Nani? (2007), Non-Stop (2010), Syllabus (2012), Gunship (2014), Jamboree (2016), and Entanglement (2020) — have cemented his place in the music scene. With Tsapo, he looks to not just continue that legacy, but redefine it.

The release is more than just a return — it’s a moment of transformation, a rebirth symbolised by the auspicious number eight. After years of patience and persistence, Sulu stands poised for a new era, one marked by growth, harmony, and perhaps a stroke of luck.

Will Tsapo win the hearts of millions? Will it usher in a new season of abundance for Sulu? Only time will tell. But one thing is clear — the stage is set, the moment has arrived, and Suluman Chimbetu is ready.