Patrick Mukwamba, a name synonymous with the golden era of Zimbabwean sungura music, is now a shadow of his former self.
The once celebrated musician, whose hits like “Wapenga Nayo Bonus” and “Mombe Yehumai” reverberated across the nation, is now struggling to make ends meet. His life, a stark contrast to the glory days, is a poignant tale of the fragility of fame and the harsh realities of life beyond the spotlight, Newsday has reported.
Now based in Rusape, Mukwamba ekes out a living selling his own CDs to motorists and passers-by for a meagre US$1.
“I survive on selling my musical CDs to motorists and passersby for US$1 in Rusape. My situation is not pleasing at all. In a day, I sometimes get between US$2 and US$7 and such meagre amounts are supposed to cater for my daily basic needs,” he told NewsDay Weekender.
The 78-year-old musician, who once captivated audiences with his soulful voice and captivating stage presence, now finds himself performing menial tasks to make ends meet.
“On some occasions, I do menial jobs, whereby I work in gardens in my neighbourhood in order to make ends meet,” he revealed.
Mukwamba’s plight is further compounded by the fact that he has been living in a house offered to him by a Good Samaritan for the past 12 years.
“For the past 12 years, I have stayed at a house where I live for free after a Good Samaritan came to my rescue. He offered me a place to stay and in return, I have to look after his house with care,” he explained.
His daily routine is a far cry from the lavish lifestyle associated with musical success.
“After spending a tiresome day scorched by the searing heat from the sun with almost nothing to show for my sweat, I just go home and buy a plate of sadza and a 2-litre Super Chibuku beer. I then go to sleep as early as 6pm,” he said.
The musician’s struggles have led him to seek help from various sources, including prophets and traditional healers, in a desperate attempt to break the cycle of misfortune he believes has plagued him.
“I have met so many people who have promised to help solve my problems. I once sought the help from a vapostori prophet in Bocha, Manicaland province, where I stayed for 26 days, who prophesied that I have bad luck, which is caused by my late wife such that I cannot do anything meaningful in my life. I left the prophet’s shine after noticing that there was no change to my problems,” Mukwamba said.
He has also consulted numerous traditional healers, only to be met with the same disheartening prognosis.
“I also consulted so many traditional healers and the story being told is the same, but to date, I have not seen any change in my life,” he lamented.
Mukwamba’s faith in finding a solution remains unwavering, despite the numerous setbacks.
“Some time last year, I went to a Johanne Masowe eChishanu prophet in Highfield, Harare, at Madzibaba Moses’ shrine, where I was told the same prophecy and they assisted with money to buy food and clothes,” he recalled.
“However, what they gave me was not what I really wanted as I feel I am still a force to reckon with in the music industry if this bad luck is cast out from me. I feel I can make a hit out of the songs [album] I have which, I cannot record because nothing will work due to this bad luck.”
He further poured out his soul: “While I was selling CDs, I met a gentleman who sympathised with me being a vendor yet I released great hits. We exchanged contact details so that he would take me to the United Family International Church, where he worships, but since, then his cellphone has gone unanswered. I still hope one day, I will meet United Family International Church leader Emmanuel Makandiwa. Maybe my problems will be solved.”
Mukwamba’s pain is further compounded by the fact that he has lost contact with his three children, Persie, Linda, and Rudo, who all reside in South Africa.
“I have three children, Persie [49 years], Linda [46 years] and Rudo [42 years]. I only got to know they went to South Africa in 2002. I heard Persie [who is into computers] is married. I don’t even know his wife and children, while the girls Linda is into catering and Rudo [not sure of her profession] and they [girls] are not yet married,” he said.
He added: “I have not received any call from them and I don’t know how they are doing down south. The last time I saw them [girls], they asked me why they were not getting married.”
Although Mukwamba is having problems, he has a house in Unit K, Seke, Chitungwiza, which is occupied by a step daughter. He has vowed not to go back to his house since the day he divorced his late wife until he is cleansed.
“I have a house in Chitungwiza which is occupied by my step daughter and I will not set my foot there until the bad luck is removed from me. I have heard from some neighbours there that the furniture I bought was thrown away. I guess there aren’t any of my belongings,” he said.
Mukwamba recalls vividly how all the problems he is into began.
“I remember very well in 1987 when one of my band members, a drummer, fell in love with my wife. I got wind of the affair. When I confronted her, she declared that I should leave the house instead. I had to leave the Chitungwiza house fearing for my life. My wife then vowed that wherever I go or anything that I try to do will never work for the whole of my life,” he said.
“From that day, I have been trying to move on with my life, but all things just go the opposite direction and up to this day, her words still haunt me. I have tried everything to make things work, but to no avail.”
He also revealed: “I tried to check with the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association for my music royalties, only to discover they had only US$28. My problems are endless. I can tell you that I even go for a month without receiving a call on my mobile phone. Now I use it as a torch at night in these days of power cuts. I feel very lonely and I last had a girlfriend in January 2022.”
