Abel Ndooka
Gibson Nyikadzino
Youth Interactive Correspondent
In a spacious warehouse in Harare’s Graniteside industrial area, an orchestra of three young boys, aged between 11 and 14, is making waves in the music scene.
Their lead, rhythm and bass guitar strings produce exceptional melodies in the sungura genre, captivating audiences and satisfying hearts.
The trio seamlessly blends original compositions with covers from prominent artistes like Alick Macheso, Ronnie Mudhindo and the late Tongai Moyo.
However, deeper listening reveals an inspiration drawn primarily from the late Leonard Dembo and his Barura Express band.
This reflects a story of youth in search of help, exposure and guidance in the music industry.
The Small Boys Band comprises Endevour Chimonya (14), who plays the bass guitar, Organiser Chimonya (11), the rhythm guitarist, and Mafumisa Mpho Marshall (14), who is the drummer and Endevour’s best friend. Endevour and Mafumisa are entering Form Two this year, while Organiser is moving to Grade Five.
They are guided by their father, Shadreck (36), who plays the lead guitar.
Hailing from Chipinge’s Chadamoyo Village under Chief Garahwa, the band has effectively used social media, Facebook, to broadcast their practice sessions.
This caught the attention of businessman Mr Ernest Senekai, who invited them to Harare last December for exposure to the music industry.
“I saw their content on Facebook, and it impressed me,” said Senekai.
“If there are people willing to sponsor them, they are free to do so.
“The talent of the Small Boys Band made me invite them.”
Since their invitation, the Small Boys Band has already opened for Simon Mutambi and the Cobra Kings Band in Mbare, as well as performed on Christmas Day in Domboshava at the PachiCorner Bar.
Mutambi expressed satisfaction with their performance and emphasised the need for guidance.
“The band is good, and they will make mistakes as they grow. It’s a learning process, and I’m glad their father is leading them,” he said.
Shadreck, despite his career in construction, is unwavering in his support for his sons’ musical aspirations. “These boys are self-taught. I had a group named Kukwanzura Express that became dysfunctional in 2015. I caught them playing one day, and who am I to stop their dreams? I believe one day they will transition from Small Boys Band to maybe Big Boys Band,” he said.
The band released a six-track album titled “Handei Tose” in September last year.
“We are currently working on modalities to ensure that we get our music on radio through the right channels. Our album will soon be on radio. It is loaded!” Shadreck added.
When asked about song composition, Endevour stated, “At times I write the songs, and my dad also gives input. We are a group and work together.”
He emphasised their commitment to balancing music and education: “These instruments will not stop us from going to school. We are doing well, and when the holiday ends, we will focus on school and practise.”
Organiser dreams of being a soldier but is now captivated by guitars, while Mafumisa aspires to be a medical doctor or scientist.
“If I fail to be either, I will remain in music,” he said.
Shadreck acknowledges the initial resistance from his wife regarding their children’s musical pursuits.
However, they now work to positively influence their kids’ decision-making.
“As parents, we should never decide our children’s careers. We can influence them to make life-changing decisions themselves,” he remarked.
The story of the Small Boys Band encapsulates youthful ambition, family support, and the quest for opportunity in the music industry.
They are on a journey, and their hopes of becoming big may just be on the horizon.
