Lucky Mumiriki Remembers System Tazvida, 26 Years After His Death.
February marks a poignant anniversary for Zimbabwe's music community. System Tazvida, the renowned musician, died on February 4, 1999, at age 30. This year, he would have turned 57.
His former bandmate, Lucky Mumiriki, shared memories of their musical journey. The pair met in 1990 at Sungura Boys, led by Ephraim Joe. Three years later, they left to form Chazezesa Challengers.
"System Tazvida became our leader, but I helped establish the band," said Mumiriki. "We recorded two singles - 'Vaforomani' and 'Bhuku Rerudo.' These songs changed everything."
Their debut album, "Rudo, Tsika Nemagariro," was an immediate success. Mumiriki played both rhythm and lead guitar, with System handling vocals. The band expanded when Peter Tazvida joined in 1994, followed by Leeroy "Kamusena" Lunga.
System's final performance came on December 31, 1998. "He fought through pain that night," Mumiriki recalled. "We had just returned from a show in Chimoio, Mozambique, where he left the stage due to illness."
After System's death, several musicians attempted to continue his legacy. His brothers Peter, Isaac Tazvida, and Leeroy Lunga tried to keep Smoko's music alive. Their efforts faced challenges from deaths, disagreements, and divisions.
Mumiriki stayed with Chazezesa Challengers for two years after System's passing. In 2002, he accepted an offer from Alick Macheso's Orchestra, Mberikwazvo. Despite his fame with Challengers, Mumiriki's financial success came later with Macheso.
"I urge fans to celebrate the legend by purchasing his authentic music from online stores," Mumiriki said. "System belonged in his league. He deserves honor among other departed legends."
A stroke in 2011 affected Mumiriki's career, but he maintains ties with Macheso. At 56, he continues to honor System's musical legacy through his memories and music.
February marks a poignant anniversary for Zimbabwe's music community. System Tazvida, the renowned musician, died on February 4, 1999, at age 30. This year, he would have turned 57.
His former bandmate, Lucky Mumiriki, shared memories of their musical journey. The pair met in 1990 at Sungura Boys, led by Ephraim Joe. Three years later, they left to form Chazezesa Challengers.
"System Tazvida became our leader, but I helped establish the band," said Mumiriki. "We recorded two singles - 'Vaforomani' and 'Bhuku Rerudo.' These songs changed everything."
Their debut album, "Rudo, Tsika Nemagariro," was an immediate success. Mumiriki played both rhythm and lead guitar, with System handling vocals. The band expanded when Peter Tazvida joined in 1994, followed by Leeroy "Kamusena" Lunga.
System's final performance came on December 31, 1998. "He fought through pain that night," Mumiriki recalled. "We had just returned from a show in Chimoio, Mozambique, where he left the stage due to illness."
After System's death, several musicians attempted to continue his legacy. His brothers Peter, Isaac Tazvida, and Leeroy Lunga tried to keep Smoko's music alive. Their efforts faced challenges from deaths, disagreements, and divisions.
Mumiriki stayed with Chazezesa Challengers for two years after System's passing. In 2002, he accepted an offer from Alick Macheso's Orchestra, Mberikwazvo. Despite his fame with Challengers, Mumiriki's financial success came later with Macheso.
"I urge fans to celebrate the legend by purchasing his authentic music from online stores," Mumiriki said. "System belonged in his league. He deserves honor among other departed legends."
A stroke in 2011 affected Mumiriki's career, but he maintains ties with Macheso. At 56, he continues to honor System's musical legacy through his memories and music.
