Rusape – The music world is abuzz with a new revelation that has sent shockwaves through the hearts of fans and family members alike. Francisco Zhuwawo Musaka, a 46-year-old musician, has come forward claiming to be the son of the late legendary musician, John Chibadura, H-Metro has reported.
It appears as if these music superstars were taking turns to impregnate women whenever a perfect opportunity presented itself. Francisco Zhuwawo Musaka’s case comes at a time when the quest of Aaron Chaka to legally assume the surname Mtukudzi and claim his place as the late music legend Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi’s son has hit a major roadblock, with the High Court dismissing his application.
The case, which has cast a long shadow over the Mtukudzi family, has been fraught with controversy since its inception. Aaron Chaka, the 45-year-old claimant who was seeking an order at the High Court to alter his birth certificate, replacing his father’s details with those of the late music icon, now even charges money for journalists to talk to him and ask questions.
Meanwhile, Francisco’s story is one of a hidden past and a longing for recognition. He claims his Mozambican mother, Elizabeth Johanne, had been concealing his biological father since she was impregnated by Chibadura while she was still married to another man.
“I came to know that my father was the late John Chibadura, years after his death. My mother refused to disclose my father since she was impregnated while married to another man,” Francisco revealed.
Adding to the intrigue, Francisco claims one of Chibadura’s hit songs, Eriza, was a tribute to his mother. He said Chibadura named him Musa John but he never acquired a birth certificate in the musician’s name.
“My mother told me that she had a misunderstanding with Chibadura and he recorded one of his songs, Eriza, as a tribute to her,” he explained.
Francisco’s journey to uncover his true parentage began with a decision to migrate from Mozambique to Zimbabwe. It was here that he finally learned the truth about his father.
“I decided to migrate from Mozambique to Zimbabwe and settled here and that is when I learnt that Chibadura was my father,” he said.
Determined to connect with his family, Francisco visited Chibadura’s widow, Nelia Best, in Domboshava. He introduced himself and shared his musical aspirations.
“I visited Mai Chibadura in Domboshava and introduced myself to the family. I told them about my music career and I decided to avoid using ‘Tembo Brothers’ and named my band ‘Nyamukoko,’ the real surname of my father Chibadura,” he said.
Francisco’s musical journey has seen him release his first album, which was a hit on Nyangani Radio Station last year. He has penned 256 albums, with six tracks each, and 45 of those albums are polished.
“I released my first album and it was a hit last year on Nyangani Radio Station,” he said. “I have penned 256 albums, with six tracks each, but 45 albums are polished.”
Despite his musical talent, Francisco faces challenges in finding sponsorship and a manager. He has been struggling to make ends meet but has found a home in Rusape.
“My challenge is sponsorship, I am yet to find a manager and I have been struggling to make ends meet. I have since found a home here in Rusape,” he said.
Nelia Best, Chibadura’s widow, confirmed Francisco’s visit to the village where she is staying. She said she referred him to Chibadura’s younger brother.
“Musa came here claiming to be my husband’s son. I referred him to my husband’s younger brother,” said Nelia.
Nelia expressed doubts about Francisco’s claim, highlighting his age and questioning why he never came forward during Chibadura’s lifetime or after his death.
“He looked older than my first born and I asked why he never showed up during his father’s time or upon his death? Handina kutaura zvakawanda sezvo chinoziva ivhu kuti mwana ndewake here” she said.
Nelia emphasized that Francisco is not the only person to have come forward claiming to be Chibadura’s son. Another man also came forward some years after Chibadura’s death, and she referred him to the family members.
“He is not the only one who came claiming to be my husband’s son, another man also came some years after the death of Chibadura and I referred him also to the family members,” she said.
Nelia confirmed that Richard is the only son introduced to her by Chibadura and that she looked after him.
Nelia had six children when Chibadura died in 1999. Chibadura’s mother died while he was only five years old, according to Nelia.
