Attend one of Gushungo’s live shows and you will immediately understand the depth of his talent. The energy, the intricate mbira craft, the powerful vocals, and the cultural storytelling all merge into a performance that affirms why he may be one of Zimbabwe’s most underrated modern mbira maestros. Take time to listen to his music—this is an artist on the brink of a stellar breakthrough.
By Dickson Bandera
Working closely with great producers Marcello and Oscar Chamba, Gushungo -the Afrofusion star has made remarkable strides since entering the music industry five years ago. His rapid growth often leads many to believe he has been in the game far longer.
In just half a decade, he has produced four albums: Ndidane (2021), Sango Rinoera (2022), Dzimwe Nhambo (2023), and Machembere (2024). Each project reflects a steady evolution in style, confidence, and musical maturity.
Yet success has not come without challenges. He believes certain individuals in the industry are sabotaging his rise—a concern that recently became more convincing after his YouTube account was hacked and all his music deleted, with passwords changed.
Despite setbacks, his stage presence continues to grow into a defining asset. Leading a powerful 12-member ensemble, Gushungo has consistently ignited debate about whether he now belongs to the big league of seasoned Afrofusion greats like Andy Muridzo and Jah Prayzah.
Unlike Thomas Mapfumo’s classic, hard mbira-driven sound, Gushungo’s arrangement aligns more closely with the contemporary setups of Andy Muridzo and Jah Prayzah. In his ensemble, the band leader doubles as the mbira player, supported by two guitars, keyboard, ngoma, hosho and accompanying instrumentalists — a configuration that gives his Afro-fusion a modern yet authentically Zimbabwean texture.
He says he is proud that from the very first album, he was warmly embraced, and his momentum has been growing ever since.
“My first album had ten songs, and people accepted me immediately,” he recalled. “The biggest challenge was being dismissed as a Jah Prayzah copycat. The genre and the setup were similar, so people assumed I was imitating him. Now they understand and appreciate my own craft.”
He still holds deep admiration for Jah Prayzah.
“If I get the chance to talk to Jah Prayzah, I will take it. He is good—his music is mature. But I also wish to remind fellow artists that when God raises us, it is so we can raise others,” he added.
He made a name at the Bira Rembira festival after he staged a scintillating performance soon after Jah Prayzah’s performance—an achievement many artists struggle to pull off.
Gushungo’s growing dominance has led to regular performances at the Yard Restaurant in Longchen, Sherwood Golf Club, venues known for their elite clientele, as well as Club Mandisa in Mutare, Club Luwana in Kadoma, and shows in Mutorashanga, Mvurwi, Masvingo, Norton, among others.
Still, he feels he is yet to share stages more extensively with a broader pool of established artists, even though he regularly performs alongside many musicians at government-organised events.
Born Tatenda Gomwe in Zvimba, Mashonaland West, Gushungo’s conviction into the music journey began with a childhood dream of playing the mbira—a dream so vivid it inspired him to buy the instrument in his youth. His formal entry into music during the COVID-19 era in 2020 marked the beginning of a rise that now seems destined for greatness.
As he steps into what could be the most defining phase of his career, Zimbabweans may need to pause, listen, and recognise the brilliance unfolding before them.
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