Zimpapers Logo

Mkhululi Ncube, [email protected]

After a 10-year hiatus, legendary musician Max “Big Max” Phiri has returned to the music scene, much to the delight of his long-time fans.

While his name may not resonate with the younger generation, Big Max once ruled the airwaves with hits like MaDumane and Bantu Bami, stirring nostalgic memories for older listeners. He is known for his Gwanda-rooted Mjondoro style, a fusion of Rhumba with comedic storytelling.

At 59, Big Max’s journey began at Mpilo Hospital, where he was born. He attended Sipezini Primary School and completed his secondary education at Mzilikazi High School.

His musical talents were nurtured in the family-oriented band, Tusanang Sounds, which gained popularity in the 1990s. The Gwanda-based band featured Thomas Dube on lead guitar, Lazarus Dube on rhythm and bass, Robert Dube, Mashomola Dube (both now deceased) and Ronald Moyo on drums.

Big Max, a nephew of the Dube brothers, fondly recalls the family bond that drove their success.

“Tusanang Sounds was the first band I worked with while still in school around 1985. Our first single, Chikomana, with Abafazi Babantu on the flip side, was followed by a hit single UPetro Wathunywa ngu Nkulunkulu, Ilanga lesigagatsha in 1987,” he reminisced.

In 1989, Big Max released his breakout hit, MaDumane (also known as Inzwisa), which became a national anthem, immortalising the shebeen culture of the 90s.
The musician also reflected on earlier disputes with Tusanang Sounds over royalties.

“I was earning more because of my hit songs, which caused friction. I used to work at the Cold Storage Commission’s canning branch before I was laid off.
“I went on to form Lance Brothers and recorded Isidliso. Unfortunately, we faced equipment challenges that slowed our progress. While working at CSC, I met Obadiah Matulane, who helped me record uDubo Lwemali. However, various challenges prevented us from achieving greater success.”

Big Max’s musical journey continued with the band Onjivana, where he recorded Ofejafeja, before going solo once again.

Over the years, he has released tracks such as Mina Zwi-Sphundu Awuboni, iSikwelede, Emhlabeni, and Impande yesono, contributing to a catalogue of nine albums.

Financial challenges, however, forced him out of the spotlight for a decade.

“I’ve been out of music for 10 years until I met music promoter, Eliam Phiri, who was surprised I had quit. I told him I felt too old, but he encouraged me, saying there are older musicians still going strong. I owe him my comeback,” Big Max said gratefully.

Big Max who now lives in Nkankezi, Filabusi, with his wife and kids, is set to release two singles this month, Izindunduma and Abantwana, along with a remix of his classic hit MaDumane. The launch will be celebrated with a welcome-back show at Esibayeni in Matshobana, Bulawayo.

Music promoter, Eliam Phiri, who is setting up a music promotion company, praised Big Max as a “living legend” who still has much to offer.

“There’s a gap in the music scene for his brand of Rhumba. We need to support him. He’s back with a bang,” Phiri enthused.