Tendai Chidarikire, aka Sasamania, is set for what he calls a huge comeback with the launch of a new album eight track album, ‘Hona maUSA.’
Zimbo Jam caught up with Chidarikire who is known by many for his hit track and acrobatic routine loaded video, ‘Pachizezuru,’ and got more details about the new project and his ‘bull dance,’ amongst other things.
You have been inactive for a long time. Where were you?
I have been to different places. This was a time for spiritual growth in my life as a Christian. I have been doing film, television, and print commercials. I have been working as an actor with highlight appearances on SABC TV, e.tv, and M-NET sitcoms, and for more than fifty television commercials.
I also have been a motivational speaker, corporate trainer, and group sales manager for Magic Group of Companies in South Africa.
Why did you choose this time to release your album?
Timing is everything. I wanted to do something that had never been done by any musician before in the history of Zimbabwean music; that is to talk about monetary currencies that are used locally, with emphasis on the US dollar. And to note the fact that God comes first, before money.
“Hona maUSA” – what does it mean and what is the message in the album?
Hona maUSA, musade mari kukunda ukama, musade mari kukunda Musiki, Shandisai mari kuumba Zimbabwe – a didactic song designed to teach all social groups with reference to Ezekiel 343 v7.
How long have you been working on it?
It took me almost one year to work on the eight track album.
When are you launching the album?
From early to mid-August and we will start shooting the videos starting in July.
Do you think you still have what it takes to make it again in this much changed music industry?
I know I have more than what it takes to make it. Remember, this is only by Zimbabwean standards.
I am aiming higher than Zimbabwe, therefore, I have no choice but to be among the best or above the best. Let the people judge, nzeve hainyepe (“the ear does not lie”).
With this new album, are you trying to reconnect with your old fans or you are reestablishing yourself?
Yes, I am reconnecting with my old fans through availing the old hits compilation for old time’s sake. But above all, I am also connecting with new ones, especially the young ones who have by now forgotten ‘Sasa.’ This is why I have incorporated many genres in the album.
I will also be reestablishing myself and marketing the Sasa Mannia brand.
Tell us more about this new ‘bull’ dance.
It involves physique. It is inspired by my young days in the rural areas at my late grandmother’s place. There was a bull called Krotoman. This bull had a way of challenging and fighting other bulls from other cattle ranchers. I was inspired to create a macho image, a macho dance with a Christian bias in a physical sense.
I will be fighting demons through the authority given to me as a Christian.
