The nation continues to mourn Dick Chingaira Makoni affectionately known as Cde Chinx who died on June 17 in Harare, the arts sector is at its biggest lost. The government has since declared him a Liberation War Hero despite loud calls from Zimbabweans from different backgrounds for him to be conferred national status.
A courageous fighter who succumbed to leukemia which he had battled for some time, Cde Chinx inspired a lot of young contemporary musicians and his legacy will continue to sing from the grave.
The bigger part of his musical life before independence is shrouded in liberation activism and post war he is seen as a political activist, however a lot about his immense contribution to Zimbabwe’s urban sound remains oblivious to mostly the younger generation.
In the 1980’s Cde Chinx joined one of the best ever bands to emerge out of Zimbabwe, Ilanga. The star studded outfit that comprised Busi Ncube, Keith Farquharson, Gibson Batishta, Gibson Nyoni, Joseph Mosias Munyaradzi Brown a former Misty in roots member who later formed Transit Crew, the late Andy Brown , Don Gumbo, Virgillio Ignacia and Adam Chisvo.
Ilanga who called their music genre ‘Hybrid’ owing to their exploits with different urban sounds from other countries but whilst keeping it closer to home with a touch of tradition shot to acclaim with several hit songs that included ‘True Love’, ‘Zvikomborero’ and ‘Ngorimba’.
Ilanga was a symbol of reconciliation, a something that they did not only sing but displayed in their mixed ethnic and racial composition – an element that influenced their music and appeal which cut across different races and many other divides.
Cde Chinx remained vocal until his time of death on the need for total reconciliation and emancipation of the people as a way to foster development.
Despite the group’s unfateful collapse, following the death of key members, the survivors went on to create successful solo careers with Andy Brown forming the Storm, Keith Farquharson who is now based in South Africa is part of Freshly Ground and has been part of major African projects, Don Gumbo relocated to South Africa where he released several hits before passing on, Busi Ncube is teaching music in Norway, Adam Chisvo joined several musicians such as Chiwoniso, Victor Kunonga as a percussionist before his untimely death.
Chingaira once worked at the national broadcaster ZBC during the time which he recorded several solo projects including ‘Ngorimba’ which featured the living legend Oliver Mtukudzi as a backing vocalist.
Later on he joined Mazana Movement before it was renamed Mazana Black Movement then formed his own, Barrel of Peace. He also featured in the famed film, Flame which was based on the liberation war.
The musician is gone but his voice and legacy will continue to reverberate from the grave.
Generations to come might not get a chance to connect with the star that he was but his influence on today’s Zimbabwean urban sound can never be under estimated. His stint with Ilanga a band that has immensely contributed to the sound that we diversely call home grown has explicit traits from the band and its members.
High riding contemporary musician Jah Prayzah’s music and antics carry a Cde Chinx signature. Prayzah’s music has a blend of Ngorimba a style popularised by the late.
A listen to his song ‘Maria’ will give you a feel of Ngorimba on a slow tempo. It will be interesting to see more urban artists emulating the style and originality that was the driving force behind Cde Chinx’s compositions.
Chingaira’s star was barely affected by his political standings. It is my humble view that Cde Chinx deserved national hero status and anything lesser is a travesty and contempt to his contribution to the independence and in a free Zimbabwe. Rest In Peace Cde Chinx, you fought a good fight.
