Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. Contemporary musician Tatu Maluba, born Victor Katsande (pictured), is set to release his debut album titled Hope Dzandarota Kunaka at The Yard, Long Chen Plaza in Harare, tomorrow.
The album marks a significant milestone in the artiste’s journey, capturing his unique voice through an eight-track collection that explores a wide range of socio-economic and emotional themes.
Blending traditional Zimbabwean musical elements with modern influences, the album offers a tapestry of stories centred around struggle, triumph, identity and love. Each track is designed to evoke emotions, encourage reflection and inspire resilience.
Tatu Maluba’s music seeks not only to entertain, but also to mirror the complexities of everyday life in Zimbabwe.
The album’s title track, Hope Dzandarota Kunaka, is a powerful metaphor drawn from Zimbabwe’s agro-based economy. The song tells the story of hard work and dedication under harsh conditions, producing beauty and success against all odds. It reflects the resilience of farmers and everyday citizens who toil with little support yet still find hope in the fruits of their labour.
Another standout song, Dai Kwayedza, speaks to the emotional toll faced by breadwinners who leave their homes in search of greener pastures abroad. It captures the loneliness and guilt they feel, haunted by thoughts of loved ones left behind.
In Kurairwa NeDenga, Tatu Maluba confronts one of Zimbabwe’s most pressing social issues — the rise in drug and substance abuse. The song calls for divine intervention, portraying addiction not just as personal failure, but as a societal crisis that demands compassion, awareness and urgent action.
Themes of loss and societal pressure emerge in Ndokusema, a moving narrative about a man grappling with the challenge of remarrying after the loss of his first wife. It delves into grief, love and the judgement often faced by those trying to rebuild their lives after a heartbreak.
Other tracks on the album — Kumutsa Zvirere, Ndiani Achanyara, Tsotsi and Korona — further broaden the scope of the project, addressing themes ranging from personal accountability to the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The artiste’s stage name, Tatu Maluba, is derived from the Lingala language — spoken predominantly in the Democratic Republic of Congo — where tatu means “father of” and maluba translates to “words.” For Tatu Maluba, the name is a reflection of his artistic essence — a father of words, driven by expression and storytelling.
Tatu Maluba began playing mbira in 2023. Despite being a latecomer to the music scene, he has already written over 520 songs, most of which are yet to be recorded. His musical awakening was rooted in personal hardship.
Growing up in Mabvuku, a residential area in Harare but with influence from Uzumba, Mashonaland East province, without knowing his father and navigating the difficulties of poverty, he found solace and support in the care of his maternal aunt, Joyce Katsande, who raised him. These formative experiences have become the emotional foundation of his songwriting.
“Music was not part of my plan,” Tatu Maluba admitted. “As a child, I dreamed of becoming a footballer. I grew up hearing about legends like Peter Ndlovu and Moses ‘Bambo’ Chunga and wanted to follow in their footsteps. But everything changed when I discovered the mbira. I was captivated by its sound and taught myself to play. Now it is at the heart of everything I create.”
Tatu Maluba’s musical debut came in September 2024 with the release of Zororo, a soulful single that resonated widely with listeners. Fans described it as a masterpiece — the best he has ever done, perhaps a standard he will never surpass. Yet, with the release of Hope Dzandarota Kunaka, he is ready to prove that his creative well runs even deep.
Throughout the album, Tatu Maluba’s mastery of storytelling stands out. He cites musical giants like Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo, John Chibadura and the late icon and national hero Oliver Mtukudzi as key influences. He also holds in high regard fellow Uzumba-born musician Jah Prayzah, whose achievements in the music industry he deeply admires and hopes to emulate.
As the countdown to the album launch continues, expectations are high. Will Hope Dzandarota Kunaka match or surpass the standard set by Zororo? The jury is still out. But what is clear is that Tatu Maluba is not just releasing music — he is offering stories that reflect the soul of a nation.
“I am not just singing,” he said. “I am telling the story of Zimbabwe — and my own.”
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