Amon Mvula
| Amon Mvula | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Amon Mvula |
| Died | 2009 |
| Resting place | Kadoma |
| Nationality | Zimbabwean |
| Education | Kuredza Primary School |
| Alma mater | Munyaradzi Secondary School |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Home town | Kadoma |
| Spouse(s) | Athlea |
| Parent(s) |
|
| Relatives | Jonathan Phiri |
| Family | Gibson, Mike |
Amon Mvula was a Zimbabwean-born South African singer. He jointly staged two shows with Buju Banton in Harare and Bulawayo in 1997.
Background
Mvula, who was of Malawi descent, grew up in Kadoma. He attended Kuredza Primary and Munyaradzi Secondary School. His love for music saw him leave school to join a band in Venice Mine, Kadoma. He became a dancer par excellence, danced as he wheel-spinned at the same time spitting fire. Many who lived in Harare in the 1980s may remember a performer along the First Street. The singer, who would perform shirtless, had two main acts; a bicycle wheel spinning act and fire eating, earning the name ‘Dragon Fire’ or ‘Chidyamoto’ (fire eater).[1] Mvula inherited singing and performing skills from his mother, Shelly Mugota, who had a mbira band sponsored by David Whitehead. In 2000, Mvula returned home with a white woman called Athlea, a business consultant and film-maker. He wedded her at Kadoma Magistrates’ Court.
Children
His brother Gibson Mvula revealed to The Herald on 20 June 2021 that Amon left three boys whom he sired out of wedlock. His brother said the children are named Tapiwa and Kudzaishe while the third was in South Africa.[2]
Career
Still in primary school, Mvula together with his brother Gibson and other kids from the neighbouring community started a band that rocked Kadoma. They called their outfit Chimbara Jazz Band. His love for music saw him leave school to join a band in Venice Mine, Kadoma. He became a dancer par excellence, danced as he wheel-spinned at the same time spitting fire. Mvula took wheel-spinning seriously after he successfully performed for the Zambian Band Orchestra Mangelepa when it toured Kadoma.
His footworks saw him dance for Zhimozhi Jazz Band, Nyaminyami Sounds, Sungura Boys, John Chibadura, Mugaranhehwe Stars, Hurungwe Sounds, Safirio Madzikatire, Khiama Boys and 2 Brigade Signal Band. When he was with Zhimozhi, he recorded his songs that included ‘Nyarara Tombi’, ‘Achimwene’ and 'Rudo'.
One night, a bitter Amon disappeared, skipping the border to South Africa. For five years, his parents had no idea where he had gone. When he arrived in South Africa, he worked in various shops as a chanter to attract customers. During his free time, he performed as a street dancer and eventually joined live bands as a backing vocalist, drummer and dancer. Mvula made a breakthrough and appeared on posters down south. Some women from Kadoma who used to sell their wares in South Africa saw the posters and were pleased to inform his parents that he was alive, performing in Venda, in an area called Turmoil. He was now performing with prominent artists like Thomas Chauke, Peter Teanet and Mahayani Boys.
Awards
His musical talent was recognised in South Africa where he won the Venda Musical Award in 2004, among others.
Death
On June 24 2009 at Harare Central Hospital, Mvula died after a long illness. Mvula succumbed to pneumonia.[2] He was buried in Kadoma.
Trivia
Mvula visited his relatives in Chilazulu Village 5 in Malawi where he became a hit performing his antics. His uncle Jonathan Phiri saw his talent and supported him. He gave him money to buy instruments. However, on returning to Zimbabwe, he squandered the money. It is said he cohabited with a coloured woman called Petty in Hatfield. As the coffers dried, he fell on hard times and was chucked out.
References
- ↑ Fidelis Manyange, [1], The Patriot, Published: 21 June, 2018, Accessed: 8 May, 2020
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Tafadzwa Zimoyo, Mvula’s children emerge ahead of commemoration , The Herald, Published: June 21, 2021, Retrieved: June 21, 2021
