Surviving members of the Original Devera Ngwena Jazz Band
(from left) Johnsai Machinya, Jonah Moyo and Innocent Bitu.
A tripartite show that took place on 25 December 2017 in Gutu saw the original Devera Ngwena Jazz Band strengthens its reunion after its split in 1985. Devera Ngwena was supported by Mitchel Jambo and his Marunga Brothers Band and Josefa Chauke and his Marhula Crew Band.
Speaking to this reporter from his Thohoyandou base in South Africa, band leader, Jonah Moyo revealed that love was never lost amongst the original band members. Said Moyo: “Love was never lost among us. It is only that some of my colleagues decided to remain at Mashava when I relocated to Masvingo town. We reunited in the studios to record various album namely Devera Ngwena Volume 25, 30, 31 and 35 together. Currently, we are finalising Volume 39.
“We did a show in Harare late last year and were humbled by how fans applauded our reunion on stage. In December, we selected to play in Gutu since it’s synonymous with our hit song "Solo naMutsai". The song propelled us to greater heights,” added Moyo.
The 61 year-old Jonah Moyo whose music career has seen him tour countries like Belgium, United Kingdom, Holland and Germany has promised more Original Deveral Ngwena shows for his fans in the Southern Africa.
Devera Ngwena was formed at Gaths Mine in Mashava when Jonah Moyo responded to an advert by the mine to have a band in 1977. The band had their first single named Devera Ngwena Zhimozhi released in 1979. Several hits like "Barbra", "Marondera", "Solo naMutsai", "Grema wepamoyo", "KwaMutare", "Wangu P", "Too Cheap", "Svika Feya Feya" and others followed.
The original members who recorded Vol 1 were Jonah Moyo on lead guitar, the late Robson Banda on bass, Innocent Bitu on rhythm, the late Patrick Kabanda on drums and Johnsai Machinya on vocals. When Robson Banda left Devera Ngwena, he was replaced by another member who also left before the late Jabulani Bitu joined them on rhythm on Volume 2.