Musician Last “Tambaoga” Chiyangwa has dismissed claims that he is a spent force, vowing to revive his career. After performing at the Anti-Sanctions Gala in Bindura, the singer stated he is still recording new music and remains available for live bookings.
Zimbabwean musician Last “Tambaoga” Chiyangwa has dismissed suggestions that he has faded from the local music scene, saying he is still recording new songs and remains available for live performances.
The 54-year-old singer, known for popular songs such as “Rambai Makashinga”, “Blair Toilet” and “Agirimende”, said he had never abandoned music despite maintaining a relatively low profile in recent years.
Tambaoga made the remarks after performing at this year’s Anti-Sanctions Gala, held at Chipadze Stadium in Bindura. His appearance at the event provided an opportunity for him to address questions about his musical career and his plans to remain active in the industry.
Speaking to the Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub on the sidelines of the gala, Tambaoga acknowledged that he had been quiet for some time but said he had continued working on his music while looking for ways to sustain himself.
“First, I don’t deny the fact that I have been quiet for some time, but you should know that once a musician, always a musician,” he said.
“I have been busy recording my music and hustling for survival, like any other Zimbabwean.
“I also face challenges similar to those encountered by other Zimbabweans, but I keep my head high.
“I am not the kind of person who surrenders or gives up when the going gets tough. I am ready to face any challenges.”
The musician said he remained confident in his abilities and was determined to continue performing, despite opinions that his career had lost momentum.
Tambaoga rose to prominence alongside other Zimbabwean musicians, including Sister Flame, the late Andy Brown and the late Cde Chinx. His songs became part of his musical identity, helping him establish a place on the local entertainment scene.
Responding to suggestions that he was a spent force, he insisted that he was still active and that his backing band remained available for performances.
“Some might call me a spent force or whatever they think, but I am still here and singing.
“The band that used to back me back then is still around.
“We are ready for shows, and people can book us if they need our services,” he said.
Tambaoga also pointed to his invitation to perform at the Anti-Sanctions Gala as evidence that he remained relevant to the country’s music industry.
“Being called to perform at this gala was enough proof that I am still alive and kicking.
“In fact, I still remain an asset to this nation of Zimbabwe,” he said.
At the Bindura event, Tambaoga performed music featuring mbira sounds and guitar-driven rhythms associated with his style. According to the report by Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, audience members sang along to several of his songs during the performance.
The singer’s comments come as he seeks to build on his existing catalogue while continuing to record new material. He said he had remained committed to music even during periods when he was not regularly in the public eye.
For musicians who have enjoyed success over several years, maintaining a consistent presence can involve recording new songs, securing performance opportunities and reconnecting with audiences. Tambaoga said he was prepared to continue working despite the challenges he had encountered.
He also made it clear that his band was available for bookings, signalling his intention to pursue more live performances. However, he did not provide specific dates for upcoming releases or shows.
Tambaoga’s immediate plans include continuing his musical work and seeking opportunities to perform. His return to the stage at the Anti-Sanctions Gala has given him another platform to present his music to audiences while making his position clear about the future of his career.
The musician remains confident that he has more to contribute to Zimbabwean music. Although he acknowledged his recent period of relative quiet, he maintained that he had not given up and was determined to keep recording and performing.
