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Bongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
THE story behind the rise of Tshibilika musician Clement Magwaza is one of fate as a businessman paid for him to perform at the Intwasa Festival koBulawayo three years ago after watching him wow fans in Plumtree. Ever since his debut show in 2012, Magwaza has been a permanent feature at the festival with fans flocking to watch the Plumtree-born maestro in action with his band Mlambo Express.

According to festival director Raisedon Baya, a businessman who had watched Magwaza dazzle crowds in Plumtree, offered to pay for him to perform on the then Chibuku stage during the 2012 edition. “At first I was apprehensive as I had never heard of Magwaza and I didn’t know what to expect, but the man who I can’t name insisted and I obliged. When he got onto the stage, I was amazed at how he captured and entertained the crowd with his music,” said Baya.

He said he wished that more business people could emulate the mystery benefactor by promoting local talent. “Such support from business people can help grow the arts. The businessman has helped Magwaza to be known by the greater part of the people in the city. I wish there could be many other business people who support the arts and pay for these artistes to perform,” said Baya.

The ex-Ndolwane Super Sounds singer and dancer has never let down his followers whenever he displays his dancing prowess on stage and his song such as Kokotsha makokotsha from his 2012 album and Take Take always keep fans on their feet. Magwaza said he is also a social commentator.

“My songs have a social message at the same time entertaining. In the song Kokotsha makokotsha I’ll be singing about life lessons that I’ve experienced after visiting many places and seeing people die from diseases. The song basically is a warning to people,” he said.

Magwaza said he had given up on record sales because of piracy and had dedicated his time to holding more shows. “I make more money from shows rather than album sales because of piracy. I now prefer to sell my albums during shows and they’re being bought tremendously. It’s better than sitting at home waiting for album sales to make money for me,” he said.

With his music now in high demand, Magwaza said he would release a brand new album next month titled Is’tambo sami. “I’ve a single that I’ll release on November 6 called Is’tambo sami, which is in the same titled six track album. This will be my fifth album and I want to launch it in Bulawayo, Matabeleland North and South, where my fan base is,” he said.

“The song discourages people from divorcing and separating when they’re married.” The artiste, who is married and has three children, said he would not have achieved success without the support of his wife Tawada. “My wife is very supportive as she sometimes attends my shows to watch what I’ll be doing. Music is my life and there’s nothing else that puts food on the table besides it. So she knows when I’m away I’m making money to feed the family,” said Magwaza.

Away from performances, Magwaza said he is a family man who spends most of his time at his homestead in Plumtree. “In my spare time, I like to spend time with my family and play with the children. But my guitar will be on hand always because I can be inspired to compose a song anytime,” he said.