HARARE-BASED musician Sekuru Gudo is now one of the most sought-after jiti singers.
This is besides the fact that Sekuru Gudo, born Calvin Fero, did not like the song Weru Wanyara during recording sessions, which ironically made him a household name in jiti in 2024.
Producer Charles Ayibek revealed to NewsDay Life & Style that although initially Weru Wanyara was not in their plans for recording, the song has taken Sekuru Gudo’s name to new heights.
“The song is part of traditional rituals like bira, mashave ekupenga among the Kore Kore tribes in Hurungwe and Makonde in Mashonaland West province as well as in Guruve, Dande, among other areas in Mashonaland Central,” Ayibek said during an interview.
“We did the song Weru Wanyara as the last one on the album, but Sekuru Gudo did not like the song from the outset.
“As fate has it, the song made him a household name during 2024.”
Other songs on the album include Zimuroyi and Ita Uchicheuka, among others.
Sekuru Gudo is a jiti artiste who fuses his songs with Afro-pop, reggae and sungura, among other genres.
All songs on his 12-track album High Volte were composed and produced by Ayibeki.
“Our band is doing very well and our fans are happy with our live performances,” he added.
The band has staged several performances in Mashonaland West’s towns such as Banket, Karoi, Nyabira and Mhangura, among others.
To add icing on the cake, prolific novelist, playwright and actor Aaron Chiundura Moyo, who was mentioned in the song, said he was humbled that young artistes could honour him.
“I am deeply humbled that Sekuru Gudo mentioned my name. It shows that artists are a family,” said Chiundura Moyo, who is neighbours with Sekuru Gudo.
“One day, I will write songs for him, that is if we make arrangement on time.”
Sekuru Gudo’s mother Beauty Mhembere said Calvin was the first born.
“He was born on March 28, 1987. There are three boys and one girl, who is also a singer, who is popularly known as Ashley McChully (born Ashley Fero),” Mhembere said from her base in Cape Town, South Africa.
“Sekuru Gudo stays in Glen View 3. He grew up singing with Tryson Chimbetu as his backing vocalist.”
She explained that Sekuru Gudo started his music career when he was in Form 2.
“As a mother, I had to support him. I recall that he started playing drums and he is one of best drummers around. He also plays all the other instruments quite well,” Mhembere said.
She added that her second born, Brighton Mynote Fero born in 1988, died in 2018.
Timothy Fero, the third born, is based in Cape Town and is a drummer as well, but currently working as a carpenter.
The last born, Ashley, stays in Cape Town as well.
“I feel very proud and happy that my son is doing well in the music industry,” Mhembere said.
“We are still waiting for more because l know Sekuru Gudo is talented.”
Mhembere herself is a former dancer and singer during church sessions or other gatherings.
As a single mother, she lost her husband in February 2008.
“I raised them as a single parent. I want to keep celebratIng their achievements in life,” she added.
Mhembere expressed deep concern over how drugs and substance abuse were killing the young generation.
“It is quite hurtful that drugs and substance abuse are destroying youths’ careers,” she said.
“It is our duty as parents and guardians to take part in making sure that our kids nor their friends are not involved in drug or substance abuse.
“If it so happens, we must quickly seek assistance from rehabilitation centres before their futures are lost.”
