Just like any other parent a couple of years back, Zimbabwe’s music legend, Zexie Manatsa would not allow or encourage his or her children to become musicians or to be associated in any way with a band.

Tendai Manatsa

Today, tables have turned, many local musicians are realising a lot of success and fortunes from the industry, and so is Zexie Manatsa’s son- Tendai who married Oliver Mtukudzi’s daughter and also musician- Selmor.

Tendai Manatsa says he is following his father’s footsteps, and is currently aiming at establishing his name and success.

Manatsa and his wife Selmor have been working together since 2005 and are expected to launch separate debut albums on the 25th of April.

Manatsa will launch his debut 8 track album- Kudzoka kwaBaba, and Selmor will release her first 9 track album titled Shungu.

“My father-Zexie did not allow us (children) to be involved in music. He was very strict on this although he was an established Musician himself.”

“Generally, I have been a guitar player for the past 10 years or so,” said Tendai.

As a guitarist, Tendai has worked with the likes of Chiwoniso Maraire, Tanga wekwaSando, Pax Afro, Africa Revenge, Shingisai Siluma, among others.

At the age of 17, in 1959, Zexie Manatsa launched his musical career in Mhangura by forming the Green Arrows band.

An accident of almost 20 years ago, to a larger extent ruined his career.

In the 1970s and 80s, Zexie Manatsa released many tracks which proves to be all time hits such as Chipo Chiroorwa, Bambo Mwakwatila, Vaparidzi Vawanda Mwana Waenda, Chechule Anavala Bottom, and Chimwamuna Chamimba.

“I got the guts to start singing when my wife would perform at various joints and shows around the country.”

In the country, a lot of artistes like Oliver Mtukudzi, Alick Macheso, Tongai Moyo, and Shingisai Siluma, among others have succeeded and to a larger extent are surviving on music earnings.

Tendai Manatsa’s album, with the title track Kudzoka kwaBaba is written in a concept of a rural father who goes to the city, to work and doesn’t return home. His family is now in pain, and asking him to return home.

“I wrote all the songs on the album including a favourite of many at shows, titled Mugona, except for one originally done by my father.”

“With the help of my wife and family, I now have a reasonable following, and my fans love my music considering the response I have been getting especially at shows,” said Tendai.

The Manatsa family now strongly supports Tendai and his brothers too- who are his and Selmor’s band members.

Green Manatsa plays keyboards and Freedom Manatsa plays drums.

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