DANCERS have played a key role in the music industry through live performances, featuring on music videos and popularising some of the dance trends. Without dancers, music videos would have been dull. These professionals make a crucial contribution to the visuals. However, they do not usually get the acknowledgement but the artistes themselves.
One such a dancer is Darlington Chabata, also known as Matoki or Zimbabwe’s own Michael Jackson. He has worked with many musicians, some still alive and others late.The dancer appeared on music videos for renowned musicians like Alick Macheso’s Ndezvashe album on songs such as Murume and Madhuve, Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria’s Mwari Variko, Dzamutsana by Sulumani Chimbetu and Peter Tazvida’s Mukoma Musandishore, among others.NewsDay Weekender spoke to the dancer, who took us through his life journey.
The foundation and journeyMy name is Darlington Chabata, but others know me as Matoki or Michael Jackson.I was born on October 11, 1980 in Kachuta, Guruve, under Headman Magama.
I realised that I have a talent for dancing as early as 1986. We used to attend the late John Chibadura’s family shows. They would call for kids to come to dance on stage. I was shy to join other children on stage until one day when I went on the stage, which shocked everyone, including my parents.When I turned seven, Chibadura sent his younger brother Douglas to our home asking for my parents’ consent to take me into their band, the Tembo Brothers. However, my father refused.
He said I was still young and that if they wanted, they would have to wait until I finished school.I later joined the band on school holidays in 1996. When I finished ordinary level, I went to the countryside to freshen up.News came to me that Chibadura was not feeling well. I was touched because I wanted to work with him.
When I went to see him, he had relocated. Sadly, he passed away and I attended the funeral. Chibadura laid the foundation of my career.In April 2000, I joined the Chazezesa Challengers led by the late System Tazvida. I was now into music full-time. They recognised my talent and asked if I could join them. They used to perform at the same venue as Chibadura. I worked with the band for two years before joining Nicholas Zakaria’s Khiama Boys, then Alick Macheso’s Orchestra Mberikwazvo and Sulumani Chimbetu’s Orchestra Dendera Kings in 2009 to date.
Of the nicknamesI had many nicknames back in the days, but Michael Jackson and Matoki became popular. The late Peter Tazvida nicknamed me Matoki. He said the name belonged to the late Marko Sibanda’s brother Amiot. He said I dance like him. The name Michael Jackson came about because I do break dance moves and so people started calling me by that name.
SupportMy family and friends support me a lot and I am grateful for that because they are the ones that push me forward. Initially, I had to prove to my father that I am a dancer and he later appreciated it.
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He was the only person I needed to impress more on my first gig with Chibadura in 1996.I went without telling him to throw a big surprise, only my mother knew. He is proud of me now.My wife waves me a lot when I leave for performances, she is my number one fan if I must tell you.
Spouse and relaxationI like staying at home watching television, especially wildlife documentaries. I am happily married to Gladys Gora. We do not have kids; it has been 20 years now. We will have kids by God’s grace, who knows?
Recognition for his contributionI have not yet gotten any recognition in this industry. I do not want to give myself false merits unless maybe in days to come because I do not know what the future holds.Encounter with big artistes
I encountered some international artistes like Koffi Olomide at Bona Mugabe’s wedding when he was performing on stage. He saw me dancing and called me to join him on stage. Olomide then asked his manager to get my number, but I took his number instead. Honestly speaking, I feared working with Congolese big groups.
Other performancesAway from being featured on music videos and live performances, I have performed at different occasions at birthday parties and weddings.At some point, a Chinese national whose name was Mr Lua invited me to perform at different occasions for him, for example, when his friends from China came to Zimbabwe.
He also invited me to perform for the Chinese Ambassador at the Chinese embassy. He was impressed when he saw me performing some Michael Jackson’s moves. I am not only a dancer, but also a vocalist and I have learned to play the guitar.
Societal perceptionWhat people see through you when you are a dancer depends on how one carries himself. When you respect yourself, the society will also take you seriously.
InspirationI draw inspiration from dancers both living and late, including Marko Sibanda, John Chibadura, Peter Tazvida, Francis “Franco Slomo” Dhaka, Michael Jackson, Priscilla of Girls La Musica and Yondo Sister.
