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Amos Mpofu, [email protected]

Rising Bulawayo-based Dendera musician Evidence Basa has vowed to preserve and elevate the Dendera music genre alongside the Chimbetu family.

Basa is determined to carve his own path in the music industry and take the sound of Dendera to new heights.
Born in 1995 in Masvingo, Basa’s musical journey began during his school years at Zvinavashe Primary School and Firomumwe Secondary School in Gutu, where his passion for music flourished.

“I started my journey in music in Form 2. I was known as the best student in music, which was an extracurricular activity at school.”

Inspired by Sulumani Chimbetu, Basa formed a dance group, “Dendera Boys,” which performed Chimbetu’s songs at events. After finishing school, he had the opportunity to attend Sulumani’s shows and learn from the Dendera music master.

“Sulumani inspired me to venture into music after school,” Basa said.
His career began to take shape when he joined Kombo Super Sounds in Bulawayo as a backing vocalist from 2014 to 2015.

Sulumani Chimbetu

He later worked with the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) band in Ntabazinduna, where he further honed his Dendera skills. He left the band in 2017 after finding a job in Bulawayo but returned to music in 2022, recording his debut single, Varangana, at Afro Record, D T Bio Mudimba’s studio. The song became a hit, gaining significant airtime on ZBCtv.
In 2023, Basa released Vana Vangu, further establishing his presence in the Dendera scene.

“People really love the song, especially when I perform it live,” he said.
Continuing to expand his music portfolio, Basa released Mufaro Wangu in 2024, for which he is working on a music video, and dropped his fourth single, Mutupo Wangu, last week, believing it will play a key role in elevating his career this year.
Basa is also eager to collaborate with Sulumani Chimbetu, his biggest inspiration.

“I’m a musician who loves working with others. I’m working with a group called Hosso King Boys, and we’re preparing to release a song and video together. My ultimate goal, however, is to collaborate with Sulumani in live performances and studio recordings to push the Dendera genre forward.”

He also praised the late Simon “Chopper” Chimbetu, whose contributions laid the foundation for the genre.
“I’m loyal to the words of Simon Chimbetu that Dendera is not just for the Chimbetu family, but a genre anyone can join,” he said.

Basa highlighted that while Dendera is often associated with the Chimbetu family, it is a genre with a rich history, boasting over 30 talented musicians, including Charles Pintec, Brian Warambwa, and Paddington Kamusaka.

The musician is grateful for the opportunities he has had, including performing at a Zanu PF-organised anti-sanctions gala in Esigodini last October.

“I was the first to perform at the gala, and it was an incredible experience to perform for such a large audience. It was a chance to showcase my abilities and connect with people passionate about Dendera music,” he said.
Describing himself as a talented dancer and creative artiste, Basa is confident that, with the support of his fans and the industry, he will reach new heights.

“I am ready to take Dendera music to the next level, and with my supporters by my side, I know I can make it happen,” he concluded.
For Basa, the future is bright, and he is determined to ensure that the Dendera genre remains alive and thriving for years to

come.