“Tsika,” the collaborative track by Ropafadzo Chimbetu Mhlanga and Tryson Chimbetu, delivers an energetic and visually engaging experience, brought to life under the direction of Bleswyn Kays. This music video weaves together a compelling narrative with dynamic performance segments, creating an upbeat and memorable piece.
The video immediately draws viewers in with a narrative storyline. It opens with three women seated outdoors, one of whom receives a distressing phone call, prompting what appears to be gossip from the other two. This intriguing subplot adds a layer of depth, hinting at underlying themes that complement the song’s message.
About Ropafadzo:
Family Background: She is identified as the “4th Daughter of the late music legend ‘Simon Chimbetu’.” This indicates her connection to a prominent musical family in Zimbabwe.
Artistic Role: She is known as a Gospel artist, singer, and composer.
- “Sungano (Agreement)”: This song is from her album titled “Thanksgiving.” The “Sungano” music video was uploaded to YouTube in June 2024.
- “Thanksgiving” Album: This album was released in 2024.
- “Chapupu Chedenga”: She also collaborated with Trymore Bande on this song, released in 2024.
Interspersed with the unfolding drama are vibrant performance segments featuring Ropafadzo Chimbetu Mhlanga and Tryson Chimbetu. They are captured singing and dancing in various outdoor settings, showcasing their stage presence and the infectious rhythm of “Tsika.” The video also incorporates lively group choreography, with larger ensembles joining the main artists in synchronized movements, further enhancing the celebratory mood.
Visually, “Tsika” utilizes creative effects, such as split-screen techniques that duplicate performers, adding a modern and artistic flair to the video. The overall vibe is undeniably upbeat and energetic, largely driven by the focus on dance and performance that permeates throughout.
About Tryson:
Tryson Chimbetu, often referred to as “Dr. Nero” (a tribute to his late father, Naison “Dr. Nero” Chimbetu, who was also a key figure in the Dendera music genre alongside his brother Simon Chimbetu), has a significant discography and a career spanning over two decades. He continues the rich musical legacy of the Chimbetu family.
Here are some of Tryson Chimbetu’s previous projects and career highlights:
Early Career & Band Formation:
- 2002: Began his music career.
- 2004: Attempted to join his cousin Sulumani Chimbetu’s band, but a professional deal didn’t materialize.
- 2005: Formed his own band, The Marxist Brothers (a nod to his father Naison and uncle Simon’s original group).
Albums & Key Releases:
- 2005: Marxist Revival (Debut album) – This album included some of his late father’s songs, such as “Doctor Nero” and “Shirikadzi.”
- 2010: Bvamrod (Second album) – A six-track album, whose title is short for “Ibva muroad,” referring to overcoming life’s hurdles. It was a significant step as it featured mostly his own compositions, unlike his debut.
- Notable songs from Bvamrod include: “Rutendo,” “Culture,” “Chikwekwe,” “Mai Munodei?”, “Ambi,” and “Chisveru.”
- 2012: Nguva YaChimbetu (Album)
- Notable songs include: “SMS,” “Rima,” and “Shingirira” (featuring Alick Macheso).
- 2013: Compass (Album)
- Notable songs include: “Wangu,” “Mombe,” “Simba,” “Bhora Mberi,” “Pahotera,” and “Ndondo.”
- Later Releases and Collaborations:
- “Maria”
- Collaborations on tracks like “Kandiro” with Droba, and features on albums like Tocky Vibes’ “Haunhonge Nyama (Deluxe Edition).
A unique and impactful element comes at the video’s conclusion with a spoken word segment, referencing Deuteronomy 31. This inclusion adds a profound, perhaps spiritual or reflective, dimension to the song, inviting viewers to consider a deeper meaning beyond the lively visuals and infectious beat.
“Tsika” is a well-rounded production that combines storytelling, engaging performances, and thoughtful visual elements to create a compelling and enjoyable music video.
Simon CHimbetu’s Extensive Family
Simon “Chopper” Chimbetu, the late legendary Zimbabwean Dendera music icon, had a large family, and several of his children have continued his musical legacy. While some sources might vary slightly on the exact number or names, here’s a summary of his prominent children:
- Sulumani Chimbetu (Sulu):
- Simon’s second eldest son, who effectively took over the Orchestra Dendera Kings band after his father’s passing.
- He is one of Zimbabwe’s most popular musicians and has successfully carried on the Dendera sound, gaining widespread acclaim and awards.
- Often performs his father’s songs and has also released his own successful albums.
- Collin “Kodza” Chimbetu:
- Simon’s eldest son.
- He ventured into farming, though his exact involvement in music is less prominent compared to Sulumani. He reportedly runs the family’s cattle farm.
- Saiwe Ropafadzo Chimbetu:
- Identified as Simon’s fourth daughter.
- She is a gospel artist who has carved her own niche within the gospel genre while still embracing the Dendera essence.
- She started her musical journey at a young age and has released several albums.
- She recently collaborated with Tryson Chimbetu on the song “Tsika.”
- She and her husband have founded True Vine Ministries.
- Malvin Chimbetu:
- Reported as the last-born child of Simon Chimbetu, from his last wife, Angeline.
- He is also a Dendera artiste and has released music.
- He cites his father and brothers (Sulumani, Tryson, Douglas) as inspirations for his music, aiming to preserve the Dendera legacy.
- Other Children Mentioned (less detailed public profiles):
- Ally
- Tinotenda
- Hazel
- Faith
- Isabel
It’s worth noting that the Chimbetu family is extensive and includes Simon’s brothers, Naison Chimbetu (Tryson’s father) and Allan Chimbetu, both of whom were also prominent musicians and have children who are involved in music, further contributing to the Dendera legacy. The family is known for fostering strong bonds and unity among its members.
