Derick Matsengarwodzi Every writer dreams to land a scoop. If it is not breaking news – it is a chance to encounter celebrities. ...
- Advertisement -
Every writer dreams to
land a scoop. If it is not breaking news – it is a chance to encounter celebrities.
I first knew of Big
Nuz in 2010. Their release had become an anthem in many nightspots. Little did
I contemplate that they would have a lasting impact on my musical taste? Their
music resonates with an emphatic African beat that instantly connected with me.
The
big encounter
Finally that dream
became a reality, in 2013.
While I was writing
for an Umlazi Magazine, I got an assignment to do a write up on Big Nuz. That
was my breakthrough. I arranged the interview date, and then left for Durban,
their studio to meet them on a Wednesday, in September.
On arrival, the gate
was locked – so I rang the bell.
The response was
sharp, “Who told you to come here. There is no one like that on these
premises.”
I later learnt that
this was Fisherman. DJ Tira, their manager and our link to the ensemble ushered
me into the small studio. I sat there for close to an hour, as Fisherman
engineered and mastered his beats. We did not say much to each other.
The air was heavy with
yesterday’s hectic schedule. Loads of fast food containers revealed a story. I
knew it would be a long wait – but it was worth everything I ever hunted as a newshound.
This was a chance to converse to one of Africa’s finest Kwaito bands – “Durban’s
Finest” as they opt to be known.
Media
– the silent killer
Finally they arrived
– minus R. Mashesha. The interview began in earnest. I understand that we
scribes can be inquisitive sometimes – but if a person requests privacy, I
suppose it has to be respected. I thought to ask about the late Mashesha. What
I got was a repulsive response – and I diverted the subject. The African
culture says, “You cannot beat a floored man…”, and rightfully so, he was sick
so we had to respect that.
Though I never met R.
Mashesha in person, I felt his thumping presence within the group. They spoke
glowingly of his contribution. Indeed, when they chant “Ungasabe” – don’t be
afraid they mean it. The group has been through a lot. They travelled to
Johannesburg in search of fame that eluded them – but they always stuck
together until one of them was taken from them.
These were boyhood
friends from the vast ghetto of Umlazi who preserved until fame pursued them. Yes,
they might be down without the dumpy Mashesha – but their music is still available.
And they will always be red hot like before. May your soul rest in peace dear R
Mashesha. The world of music is poor without your energy, smile and authority.
Yes, I never met R. Mashesha
in person, but his spirit hovers in his echoing chants. At least, I met Big Nuz
– a feat that will remain a dream unto many scribes. I understand Mapitsha’s
pain – for he knew the deceased since they launched their group years back as a
hip hop trial group.
The
accused, abused and afflicted
The raging debate in
the media on the HIV status of some artists, not limited to the departed R.
Mashesha, has been haunting. As a media hound, I could not afford to ignore the
debate – leaving my readers at the mercy of the rumour mill. But then, my
conscience reminded me that, they too deserved privacy regarding their health
status.
And who are we as
information peddlers to judge someone on the basis of their health status. Various
publications have pursued the matter until his demise. Why have we become
obsessed with celebrity health and financial makeup – and forgotten that they
are also human like you and me.
Many news rooms have been “victims’ of the HIV
scourge, but we rarely hear them going public. It has happened before to Oliver
Mtukudzi, Somizi, DJ Sbu – and a host of others whose identity has been “accused
or abused” in a bid boost circulation statistics. As media, have we become
obsessed with getting a scoop and we relegate an individual’s welfare –
totally.
Big Nuz as a group
revealed to me that they were involved in charity work to assist the less
fortunate. Many bands seldom do this – they only make music, fill their pockets
– period! Ungasabe – your name will carry the beacon in your physical absence.
And we all know your fighting spirit will always prevail.
Derick
Matsengarwodzi is a communication consultant and founder of The Aloe Media – a
communications entity. An ardent researcher and media devotee – interact with
him through Facebook or email: derickmats@gmail.com. Also on: http://tinzwei.blogspot.com or http://thehealthoracle.blogspot.com.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
Tinzwei Is A Worth Voyage For Those In Pursuit For Up-To-Date World Events.
Read More At The Online Coronavirus Portal Or Use The 24-Hour Public Hotline:
South Africa: 0800 029 999 or just Send Hie to 0600 123 456 on WhatsApp
No comments