RODERICK Chomudhara says he owes his music achievements to his late mentor, John Chibadura, who identified and polished his musical talent, when many thought he was a no-hopper. “Chibadura showed me direction and I learnt a lot about music from him because of his vast experience.

“He was one of the best musicians that Zimbabwe has ever had and naturally one wanted to follow in his footsteps,” reminisces Chomudhara.

Although it is now 12 years since “Mr Chitungwiza” died, Chomudhara still cherishes memories of working with the veteran artiste, whom he helped release more than six albums.

“I had my own group, Dombo Stars, in Domboshava, which I fronted from 1989 to 1992 before Chibadura spotted me and asked me to join his group, the Tembo Brothers, in 1994.

“I played the bass guitar on albums like ‘Vengai Zvenyu’, ‘Mutumwa’, ‘Zuva Guru’, ‘Kukura Kurerwa’, ‘Nguva Yakaoma’ and ‘Pfuma Yenhaka’.

“I also understand that the Zimbabwe Music Corporation were supposed to release another album in 1997 but I don’t know what happened to it because it has never seen the light of day since then,” Chomudhara said.

Chomudhara said he is always in touch with members of the Chibadura family, who live in Domboshava.

“Chibadura’s children — Richard, Knowledge, Simba, John Jnr, Munyaradzi and Melissa — are staying with their mother in Domboshava and I am in good books with his widow because she is like a sister to me being our neighbour there because we grew up in the same area,” he explained.

Chomudhara took over the reins of the Tembo Brothers when Chibadura passed away in 1999. He, however, has a catalogue of his own albums that have received its fair share of airplay.

Chomudhara has since finished working on a new album with his new stable, Diamond Studios, which he says will be released late this month.

Robert Mafuta, who also played with Chibadura, did the backing vocals on the album.

Chomudhara was born on December 4, 1974 in Domboshava.

He attended Zimbiru Primary and Secondary schools where his passion for music manifested itself. “I have introduced a new music style called Chimbangambanga and this is what people should expect on the new album,” he said.