Mukadota

Mukadota na Katarina

Career

Mukadota started his artistic journey in the 1940s when he was still a pupil at Chitsere Primary School in Mbare.It is there that his passion for art developed and grew. To hone his craft, he joined the couple of Kenneth and Lainah Mataka in 1948. The couple had already established itself as the answer to unnurtured talents. It is this couple that taught Mukadota how to sing and play the guitar.^[2] Satisfied with his prowess, Mukadota then left to become a nomadic comedian and solo guitarist. When he got into the industry, musicians were not held in high esteem neither were they recognised but his passion led him to forget all this and forge ahead.^[3] At that time he rubbed shoulders with the best music group at that time which included Golden Rhythm Crooners and the Cool Four . By 1953 when the groups toured the country, Safirio partnered them with them as he made his way to stardom.

He made a name for himself among the country's best through his polished acts when he introduced drama. He acted alongside Susan Chenjerai known as Mai Rwizi and dancer-cum-actor Elizabeth Taderera affectionately known as Katarina. Madzikatire later joined the Great Sounds as he did not have instruments of his own. He performed with the group for a short time after which he joined another band the Afro Jazz Fiesta. In 1964, he included Susan Chenjerai in the band after the two met in Mbare. The group went on to release a smash hit "Isaac Hauchandida Here" in 1967. After the group disbanded in 1971, Mukadota joined and later led the Delight band. This was when he founded the sea Cottage Sisters that moved with the Ocean City Band and at the same time started a radio programme known as Mhuri YavaMakore. The drama featured his son Elijah Madzikatire, Susan and Susan’s late daughter, Patricia. Produced by Webster Shamu, the drama was a step further to Mukadota's glory.^[4] A disagreement ensued between the producers resulting in the change of name to Mhuri YaVaMukadota in 1972. Mukadota then became resident at Paul Tangi Mhova Mkondo’s Club HideOut 99. Where his life shows became a hit. Mukadota's fortunes hit rock bottom in 1980s, after infighting leading to the formation of the New World Band, which failed to bring back the good old days.

Videos

Recognition

Mukadota was honoured numerous times albeit posthumously. Fellow musician and superstar Oliver Mtukudzi dedicated the song "Andinzwi" to him. A Harare primary school has also been named after him. In 2003, He was awarded a posthumous Arts Service Award in 2009 by the National Arts Merit Council. He was also posthumously honoured with a life-size statue by the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe.^[5] In the same year, Mukadota was honoured for his great artistic performance that inspired many to take up comedy and music as professions.^[6]

Reviving the Legacy

When Mukadota died in 1996, his son Elijah whom he had performed with both in drama and music tried to revive his father's legacy. He went on to produce a comedy Bhero Mukadota. The comedy was aired on TV but it was way below Mukadota's standard. Elijah went on to feature in Studio 263 and Tiriparwendo, but failed to be recognised as competent artist. In 2014, Elijah's frist son made a grand entrance into the arts to revive the Mukadota legacy by releasing an eight track jazz album "Huya Tifare".^[7]

Trivia

Mukadota was a carpenter by profession before venturing into music and acting.^[8]

Death

Mukadota also known as Ba Rwizi died in 1996.

References