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Harare Bureau
FRANCIS Dhaka, popularly known as Franco Slomo in musical circles, made his name as a dancer and his decision to start writing songs and forming Extra Kwazvose with his former colleagues was met with scepticism.Franco joined hands with former colleagues at Alick Macheso’s Orchestra Mberikwazvo, Obert Gomba, Noel Nyazanda and Jonas Kasamba in a move that was received with mixed feelings.

Calling themselves “The Rebels” due to their Macheso links, critics did not give them a chance to survive and the four-pronged co-leadership of the band spelt doom from the beginning. Inevitably, that union of The Rebels crumbled within a year.

However, Franco is finalising Extra Kwazvose’s third album without his colleagues and he believes the days of The Rebels are over.

“It’s not good to talk of those days. We want to fight that tag because we’re not rebels anymore and many people know that I’m not a rebel in any way. When I left Macheso it was an amicable departure and with Sulumani Chimbetu I even had a farewell gig,” Slomo said.

The amiable and nimble footed dancer has decided to soldier on while returning bassist John Zanga, rhythm guitarist Wirts Katogo and lead guitarist Titus Vinyu have grabbed the chance to be on the spotlight after playing in the background in the band’s formative years.

Issa Chida, a veteran drummer who was with Alexio Kawara’s Shades of Black, who has worked with contemporary jazz outfits for years, comes with his talent to the sungura genre as he replaces Obert Gomba.

Franco has also roped in his young brother Ngwarai and Dumisani Dhliwayo as backing vocalists.

“I know many people will argue that I’m much of a dancer than a singer who has manifested now through Extra Kwazvose. I used to do backing vocals at both Orchestra Mberikwazvo and Orchestra Dendera Kings and while the talent in me keeps pushing me to write songs we’re aiming at reaching the heights that the world will give us,” he said.

After suffering a false start with reports of the group attracting a handful fans, Extra Kwazvose believes the time has come to put behind the past and move on.

“We’re looking at entertaining music lovers and the new set-up looks organised with clear leadership structures. There is peace and unity so this youthful outfit can move forward.

“We want to leave it to the people to judge us. We don’t mind working with established outfits while we try to find our feet.  We’re just but young people trying to make it in the industry.”

After the indifferent reception to the first two albums Ndizvo Zviripo and Zvepasi Rino the band is finalising tracks for their next album with songs such as Manuere, Nherera, Lona and Zosanga.

The band shared the stage with Douglas Chimbetu last weekend and take their act to Mberengwa this weekend as they search for a break into Zimbabwe’s music industry.