10/02/2026
TEDIOUS MATSITO: The Rise and Fall of a Sungura Legend
By Bloom Tizora
The Early Years of the Matsito Brothers
The Matsito family’s story begins in Nyamaropa, Nyanga, a region in Zimbabwe known for its rugged terrain and tight-knit communities. The Matsito boys—Albert, Jabulani, Michael, and Tedious—came from humble beginnings, born into a large, polygamous family. Their father, Paul Matsito, had 15 wives, and Tedious once revealed that he was one of over 90 children in the family!
With so many mouths to feed, the Matsito boys were forced to fend for themselves from a young age. Their childhood was one of constant movement between Nyanga and Chipinge, with the family struggling to make ends meet. But it didn’t take long for the boys to realize that survival would require more than just being resilient; they needed to break away from the poverty-stricken environment of Manicaland and find work elsewhere.
Finding Their Way: The Journey to Mazowe
As the family continued to grow, Albert Matsito decided to venture out in search of work. He found employment as a carpenter at Glenara Estates in Mazowe, an agro-estate owned by the agro-processing company CFI. The estate was growing, and the demand for labor was high. Albert’s decision to leave Nyanga was pivotal—not only for him, but for his brothers as well.
After some time, Albert brought his three younger brothers to Mazowe, where they also found work on the farm. While at Glenara, Albert began experimenting with making guitars from wood chop-offs at his workplace. It was a modest hobby, but little did he know, these makeshift guitars would give rise to one of Zimbabwe’s finest Sungura outfits—The Ngwenya Brothers.
The Birth of Ngwenya Brothers
As Albert and his brothers settled into their new lives, they would often spend their spare time playing music on the farm. The Matsito brothers, driven by their passion for music and the influence of their environment, quickly began to form a small musical group. But it was Tedious, the most ambitious of the boys, who was determined to take their music beyond the farm.
Tedious left Mazowe and headed to Harare, where he settled in Dzivarasekwa, the epicenter of Sungura music. There, he sought out the legendary Shepherd Chinyani, the godfather of Sungura who had mentored some of the genre’s most iconic stars.
Though he initially struggled to break into the music scene, Tedious found work as a gardener in Marlborough, a high-density suburb of Harare. His brothers, Mike and Jabu, soon joined him in the city, and they too worked as gardeners. Albert, however, chose to remain behind in Mazowe, as he was immensely talented but had little desire for the spotlight.
The First Struggles: Zuvaguru
In 1990, still working as gardeners, the Matsito brothers recorded their first single, Zuvaguru. Unfortunately, the song was a failure. It didn’t resonate with the public, and their dreams of stardom seemed to be slipping away. But they were not discouraged for long. After taking a brief break from music, they returned to their craft, this time with more determination and guidance from Shepherd Chinyani.
Two years later, in 1992, the Ngwenya Brothers released Nyaradzo, an album that would mark their entry into the Sungura scene in a big way. Produced by the legendary Tymon Mabaleka, Nyaradzo was pure fire, a masterpiece that remains one of the finest releases in Sungura history.
The Rise to Fame: Chakanaka Chakanaka
While Nyaradzo was still riding high on success, the Ngwenya Brothers surprised their fans with the release of another album in 1993. Many pundits believed that releasing a second album so soon after their first would dilute the impact of Nyaradzo. The music scene was still buzzing with hits from the debut album, and critics felt it was too soon for another record.
But once again, the Ngwenya Brothers proved their critics wrong. Chakanaka Chakanaka was an even bigger hit than its predecessor. The album featured the scorching title track and Madiro, a song that would become a staple of Zimbabwean music. Madiro, famously known as “Gede,” was an instant classic:
“Madiroooo Madiro hona
Madirooowo Madiro hona
Haiwa ngwerure ndoenda...”
The Ngwenya Brothers' fresh sound, with Tedious’s crisp vocals and the Manyika accent that added a unique edge to their music, quickly set them apart from other artists. Their music was more dynamic, edgier, and modern compared to the conservative strains of Dembo and the rhumba that dominated the scene at the time.
The Band’s Inner Turmoil: Departure of Mike Matsito
But as is often the case in the volatile world of music, the Ngwenya Brothers’ rise was not without its challenges. At the peak of their success, Mike Matsito, who had played a key role in writing songs like Rudo Inzira, left the band to form Ngwenya Young Brothers, a new group with Noel Nyazanda, another seasoned musician in the Sungura scene. Mike felt that he had the necessary skill and experience to make it on his own.
However, the split didn’t last long. After a brief period, Mike rejoined his brothers, and the Matsito legacy was restored. But this was only the beginning of a long string of misfortunes that would hit the Matsito family hard.
Tragedy Strikes: The Deaths of Jabu and Domingo Matsito
In 2006, tragedy struck when Jabu Matsito, the bassist of the group, passed away. His death was a devastating blow to the band and to the Matsito family. But even more misfortune was to follow. The band, still hugely popular in Mozambique, was involved in a horrific accident while traveling back from a tour in 2008. The crash claimed the lives of Mike Matsito and Domingo, another Matsito brother who had replaced Jabu in the band.
Tedious was seriously injured in the crash, but he survived. However, the tragic losses were not over.
Tedious’s Struggles: Health Issues and Financial Woes
In 2012, Tedious’s damaged leg developed gangrene, and despite efforts to save it, he eventually had to have it amputated. The loss of his leg was just another in a series of devastating blows to the once-legendary group. With the loss of his leg, his ability to perform diminished, and the gigs that had once flowed freely began to dry up. Tedious found work as a generator repairman, but his passion for music had been stifled.
In 2016, while on tour in South Africa, Tedious suffered a stroke. He was forced to cancel several shows, and in 2017, he suffered another stroke that left him with slurred speech. Despite needing regular physiotherapy, Tedious struggled to afford the treatment and skipped many sessions. His health continued to decline, and he was never able to recover fully.
The Legacy of Ngwenya Brothers: The End of an Era
In the end, Tedious Matsito was the last surviving member of the Ngwenya Brothers. His brothers, Mike, Jabu, and Domingo, were all gone, and with them, the band that had once defined Sungura music. But their music lives on.
Tedious’s legacy, alongside the timeless sound of the Ngwenya Brothers, will forever be etched in Zimbabwe’s musical history. As the song goes:
"Vakomana veNgwenya simukai murove ngoma / murove ngoma simukai murove ngoma..."
The music they created, filled with energy, passion, and raw talent, continues to be a touchstone for many music lovers in Zimbabwe and beyond.
What’s your favorite Ngwenya Brothers track? For me, it has to be Chivaraidzo.
“Zvehumhandara nehukomana, zvinovadadisa
Mai zvinodadisawo...
Kunyange vakagumburana, vanofara chete. kunyangwe vakatsamwisana..
Ngwarira vachakufurira hona...”
Tedious (lead), Jabu (bass), and Mike (rhythm)—they were in fine form on this one.
The Ngwenya Brothers may be gone, but their music, like their legacy, will never fade.
About the Author
Bloom Tizora is the author of over 80 published books, his works spanning across various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and biographies. His books are available on all major online bookshops including Amazon, Apple Books, Draft2Digital, Smashwords, and Kobo. For direct inquiries, you can also reach him on WhatsApp at +258863552112.
Soft copies of his books are available for just $1 per copy. Whether you're looking for a gripping story, a motivational read, or a deep dive into the world of music and culture, Bloom Tizora has something for you.
