Safirio Madzikatire, a comedian and musician, made Zimbabweans laugh and dance. Fans knew him as Mukadota from his character Mukadota Baba VaRwizi on TV. His popular TV show, "The Mukadota Family," played on Zimbabwe Broadcasting Television during the eighties and early nineties. People loved how he mixed funny acts with catchy music, especially his hit songs "KuHanyani" and "Usandisiye."
Born April 2, 1932, Safirio came from Tanda village near Rusape in Manicaland. He grew up as the only son in his family, raised by relatives from his mother's side in what was then called the National neighborhood (later renamed Mbare after independence). His actual birth name was Xavier Madzikatire, but people pronounced it "Safirio," which stuck with him. He attended elementary school at Chitsere Primary in Mbare.
His love for performing arts started during his school days at Chitsere back in the 1940s. By 1948, he sought help from talented mentors Kenneth and Lainah Mataka, who taught him singing and guitar skills. Despite musicians facing little respect back then, Safirio pushed forward as a traveling comedian and guitarist. He performed alongside respected groups like Golden Rhythm Crooners and Cool Four.
Working with Susan Chenjerai (nicknamed Mai Rwizi) and dancer Elizabeth Taderera (called Katarina), Safirio created unique performances that mixed drama and music. Since he lacked instruments, he briefly joined Great Sounds before moving to Afro Jazz Fiesta. In 1964, he formed a band with Susan that released their big hit, "Isaac Hauchandida Here," three years later.
After his group split up in 1971, Safirio led the Delight band and created the Sea Cottage Sisters. They traveled with the Ocean City Band and launched a radio show called "Mhuri YavaMakore." The show featured his son Elijah, Susan, and her daughter Patricia. Webster Shamu produced this successful program until disagreements forced a name change to "Mhuri YaVaMukadota" around 1972.
Audiences packed Paul Tangi Mhova Mkondo's Club HideOut 99, where Safirio regularly performed. Sadly, his career declined during the 1980s because of fights among band members. He tried starting fresh with the New World Band but never recaptured his earlier fame. The legendary performer passed away in 1996, leaving behind a rich legacy of entertainment that still influences Zimbabwe's art scene today.
Born April 2, 1932, Safirio came from Tanda village near Rusape in Manicaland. He grew up as the only son in his family, raised by relatives from his mother's side in what was then called the National neighborhood (later renamed Mbare after independence). His actual birth name was Xavier Madzikatire, but people pronounced it "Safirio," which stuck with him. He attended elementary school at Chitsere Primary in Mbare.
His love for performing arts started during his school days at Chitsere back in the 1940s. By 1948, he sought help from talented mentors Kenneth and Lainah Mataka, who taught him singing and guitar skills. Despite musicians facing little respect back then, Safirio pushed forward as a traveling comedian and guitarist. He performed alongside respected groups like Golden Rhythm Crooners and Cool Four.
Working with Susan Chenjerai (nicknamed Mai Rwizi) and dancer Elizabeth Taderera (called Katarina), Safirio created unique performances that mixed drama and music. Since he lacked instruments, he briefly joined Great Sounds before moving to Afro Jazz Fiesta. In 1964, he formed a band with Susan that released their big hit, "Isaac Hauchandida Here," three years later.
After his group split up in 1971, Safirio led the Delight band and created the Sea Cottage Sisters. They traveled with the Ocean City Band and launched a radio show called "Mhuri YavaMakore." The show featured his son Elijah, Susan, and her daughter Patricia. Webster Shamu produced this successful program until disagreements forced a name change to "Mhuri YaVaMukadota" around 1972.
Audiences packed Paul Tangi Mhova Mkondo's Club HideOut 99, where Safirio regularly performed. Sadly, his career declined during the 1980s because of fights among band members. He tried starting fresh with the New World Band but never recaptured his earlier fame. The legendary performer passed away in 1996, leaving behind a rich legacy of entertainment that still influences Zimbabwe's art scene today.
