Born 1960
Chitambo , Chinhoyi
Cephas “Moto Muzhinji” Mashakada was a Zimbabwean sungura musician. He was among the most celebrated sungura musicians in Zimbabwe with a career spanning over three decades. Mashakada rose to prominence with hits such as “Samson”, “Huya uponeswe” and “vadzidzi vangu”.
Background
Mashakada was born in Chinhoyi in 1960. His parents were members of the Salvation Army church, Mashakada’s music journey started when he joined the Salvation Army Church Choir in 1977. He was married to Eunice Mashakada and had three daughters.
Career
in 1977 Mashakada teamed up with Biggie Tembo, Jacob Teguru, Franco Kazere, and David Ziome. They came together and formed the World Ten Band. The group relocated to Harare at the invitation of Paul Mpofu of the World Tomorrow Band. The two groups (Wild Ten and World Tomorrow Band) eventually merged and they settled for the name Muddy Face.They went on to release songs such as paInyanga, nherera, and Kilimanjaro. When Job Mashanda and Paul Mpofu left, Mashakada remained in the group and went on to rename it sounds of muddy face’. Some of his songs were hymns that were blended with sungura and jiti. Nyaradzo Yakaitwa was one of his albums that were successful and reportedly sold thousands of copies.
Philanthropy
Mashakada was among the artists who have performed at a function that was held to raise funds to rehabilitate Chitungwiza General hospital.
Awards
Zimbabwe Music Awards Best song of 2005
Discography
Nyaradzo yakaitwa
Zvapupu
Mharidzo
Chiratidzo
Shingiso
Ndiri mutadzi
Death
Mashakada was diabetic and after a prolonged struggle with the disease, he was amputated in 2006. He was forced to do with an artificial leg and a wheelchair which were donated by Webster Shamu. However, in 2011 he was hospitalized at Chitungwiza General Hospital where he passed a few days later on the 23rd of August 2011.
Credit: Pindula