Sulumani Chimbetu is a Zimbabwean Dendera Music vocalist, guitarist, composer, stage performer and businessman. He is the frontman for the Orchestra Dendera Kings and son of the late Dendera music icon Simon Chimbetu. He first came to the public's attention in [1] when he joined The Orchestra Dendera Kings. Since then he has had a career marked by successful collaborations [1] with several local artists as well as an international tour schedule.[2]
Sulumani was appointed the brand ambassador for the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS). He was conferred with the rank of Assistant Commissioner by the late former (ZPCS) Commissioner-General (retired) Major-General Paradzai Zimondi at the Harare Central Prison. He is a National Youth Service gradute from Kamativi Training Centre and Victor Matemadanda was his training officer.
Sulumani was born in the Zimbabwean town of Chegutu on 27 May [3] He attended Nyahuni Mission School, Ellis Robbins School and studied at Christian College of Southern Africa (CCOSA) from to [3] From to he was enlisted in the Airforce of Zimbabwe.[3] He first came to national attention when he joined the The Orchestra Dendera Kings in [4] Working under the tutelage of his uncle Allan Chimbetu and alongside his father Simon Chimbetu he juggled his fledgling music career with a full time job at the Airforce of Zimbabwe.[4] Following his father's death in Sulumani left the Airforce of Zimbabwe to focus his energies on his music career.[4]
In , Sulu was taken to court by his ex-wife after failing to pay maintenance.
Chimbetu had outstanding arrears after he failed to pay maintenance for January and February He managed to clear the arrears and avoid jail time. Sulumani Chimbetu was ordered by Harare civil court to pay $ per month for his two sons on December 19, [5]
In , Chimbetu contested the amount, saying it was too high and magistrate Lazini Ncube revised the fees downwards to $ per month.
Chimbetu complained that Mutemasango was not using the fees on children, but squandering the money on booze.
On 18 January , Sulumani appeared at the Harare Magistrates’ Court on allegations of failing to pay $4 maintenance support for his two children with former wife Marygold Mutemasango. He was not asked to plead when he appeared before magistrate Amanda Muridzo, who remanded him to January 31 on $50 bail.[6]
After his father death in Sulumani left the Airforce and pursued a professional music career. With the departure of his uncle from The Orchestra Dendera Kings lineup he took control of the band.[4] He launched a full-fledged solo career with the launch of his debut album in called "Ndomusiya Nani".[3] This was followed by "Reverse Deal" () and “Non Stop” ().[3] Through these works he established a strong collaborative culture with several artists. These included Oliver Mtukudzi ,Shinsoman and Jah Prayzah. He also embarked on a tour schedule to support his work performing both locally and abroad.[2] The apex of his career came with the launch of his fourth album "Syllabus".[7] Released in it spawned the hit "Sean Timba" featuring Jah Prayzah and garnered the artists three National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) in A DVD compilation to support the album was also released in [8] and was hailed by his fans as being of high quality.
The Zimbabwe Revolutionary and Patriotic Youth Network (ZIRAPAYON) wrote to the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) and Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi on June 9 expressing reservations over the lyrics in Sulu’s song, Chirwere.
In the song, Sulumani Chimbetu implied that the country was being plagued by problems because it installed a leader in the month of November.
In the letter, the youths demanded that Sulu should explain what he meant in the song. Part of the letter read:
“ZIRAPAYON Harare province was not pleased by a song released by the ambassador of the ZPCS Assistant Commissioner Sulumani Chimbetu featuring one chanter popularly known as Hwindi President. We seek clarity on what he meant. We are sure that your esteemed office would also want to understand what the goodwill ambassador implied. We join hands with you and all patriotic Zimbabweans in demanding an explanation. A proactive response will be highly appreciated.”
[9]
Sean Timba Live Performance
Sulu UK Show
In August Sulumani launched an acting career after appearing in Season 2 of a local comedy series “Bag Rabvaruka” alongside Sungura artist Peter Moyo.[11] Assuming the role of a town boy in love with a girl eyed by many other suitors, Sulumani described the experience as "great fun" and an exploration as this was his first professional acting role.[11] The series was released on DVD in September [11]
On 25 December , Sulumani opened his own bar in Chegutu named "Batai Munhu Sports Bar".[12] The night spot which had been previously known as "Chegutu Arms" was renovated and rebranded by the artist.
In August Sulumani aided in the fundraising pursuits of Wicklow Simon Chimbetu Primary School located in Chegutu.[13] The institution was once adopted by Sulumani Chimbetu’s father Simon. Sulumani pledged to direct proceeds from a tribute compilation album for his father to the acquisition of book and amenities for the institution.[13] He also promised to work with the local community in the reconstruction of the school’s dilapidated buildings.
Early January , Sulumani penned an endorsement deal with local cigarette manufacturer Savannah Tobacco. The deal was said to be one of the most lucrative endorsement deals in the country as the artist would receive direct support, publicity and marketing, album launches and other materials. The deal also roped in another popular musician Obey Makamure popularly known as Tocky Vibes and was said to be worth USD [14] The arrangement would also see Sulu promoting one of the brands produced and sold by Savannah Tobacco, Pacific Breeze. Commenting after the signing ceremony, Savannah Tobacco chief operations officer, Tongai Zvaravanhu noted that they were honoured to have their brand being associated with Sulumani Chimbetu.[14]
According to Chimbetu, his marriage with Marigold Samuriwo broke up in when Matemasango’s parents took her. In , Matemamasango returned to Chimbetu but left again in March She has two children with Chimbetu.
By then Chimbetu was already in a relationship with Linda Samuriwo with whom he now had a child. In December , Linda Samuriwo and Chimbetu wedded in Harare.