Lovemore Majaivana facts for kids

Lovemore Tshuma (born 1954), known as Lovemore Majaivana, is a famous musician from Zimbabwe. Many people consider him the most popular Ndebele singer, especially from Bulawayo. He got the name 'Majaivana' because he was an amazing dancer. 'Majaivana' means "good dancer" in his language.

Lovemore Majaivana's Life Story

Growing Up and Starting Music

Lovemore Tshuma, also known as Majaivana, was born in Gwelo (now Gweru). When he was four years old, his family moved to Bulawayo. There, he sang in the church choir, which his father led.

By the age of 15, Lovemore was playing drums for a local band in Bulawayo called the Hi-Chords. Later, he moved to the capital city, Salisbury (now Harare). He started singing in nightclubs, performing songs by famous artists like Tom Jones and Elvis Presley.

Building His First Drums

When Lovemore was 16, his musical talent was already clear. He and his friend Mtshapi made their first set of drums. They used plastic and empty cardboard barrels cut in half. They carried these homemade drums to local places like Beer Gardens in Bulawayo. They played for people there, earning small fees.

This hard work paid off. A year later, Lovemore was playing on a real drum set. In Bulawayo, many young bands were becoming popular. Lovemore became the lead singer for the Hi-Chords. The band included Benson on lead guitar, Davy on bass, Ruben on rhythm, and Vivian on drums. Later, another teenager named Dave replaced Vivian.

The Hi-Chords' Success

The Hi-Chords became very successful with the help of a local businessman, Mr. Memo. He helped them look professional. They wore suits and had a clean-cut image. This helped the band become instantly popular.

Under Mr. Memo's guidance, they had instruments and transportation. They traveled a lot, playing at weddings and local clubs. Soon, they performed at bigger venues like the famous Valley Hotel. Lovemore also loved to dance while he sang, which is how he got the name Majaivana. They covered popular songs from bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

Music Career: 1974 to Early 1980s

In 1974, Lovemore formed his own band called Jobs Combination. The band was named after Job's Nightclub, where they often performed. He teamed up with a blind singer named Fanyana Dube.

They released several popular songs and their first album, Isitimela, sold very well. However, the band broke up soon after. Majaivana then sang with another group called the Real Sounds for a short time.

Later Music Career

A big moment in Lovemore's career happened when he joined a band called The Zulus. This band was from Victoria Falls and included two of his brothers. Having a stable band helped him a lot.

In 1984, Majaivana and The Zulus released an album called Salanini Zinini. This album featured traditional folk songs that he and his brothers had learned from their mother. From then on, he focused more on traditional Zimbabwean music, moving away from Western styles.

His popularity grew, especially in Ndebele-speaking areas like Matebeleland and Bulawayo. His first international album was released in 1990. Lovemore Majaivana left Zimbabwe in 2000 and stopped making music.

Film and Music Works

Filmography

• A World Apart (1988)

Albums

• Isitimela (1979)
• Salanini Zinini (1984)
• Amandla! (1985)
• Jiri (1987)
• Isono Sami (1993)
• Ezilodumo Zikamajee (rereleased 2011)