Sulu Chimbetu

BIO

Sulumani Chimbetu (born on 27 May 1982 in Chegutu) is a dendera singer, songwriter and guitarist from Zimbabwe.

He is also a vocalist, guitarist, composer, stage performer and businessman. He is the frontman for the Orchestra Dendera Kings and son of the late Dendera music icon Simon Chimbetu. He first came to the public's attention in 2004 when he joined The Orchestra Dendera Kings. Since then he has had a career marked by successful collaborations with several local artists as well as an international tour schedule.

Sulumani was appointed the brand ambassador for the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS). He was conferred with the rank of Assistant Commissioner by (ZPCS) Commissioner-General (retired) Major-General Paradzai Zimondi at the Harare Central Prison.

Contents

1 Background

2 Music career

3 Discography

3.1 Albums

4 Videos

5 Acting career

6 Business Ventures

7 Social Responsibility

8 Savannah Tobacco Endorsement Deal

9 Marriages

10 Controversies

11 Awards

12 References

Background

Sulumani was born in the Zimbabwean town of Chegutu on 27 May 1982. He attended Nyahuni Mission School, Ellis Robbins School and studied at Christian College of Southern Africa (CCOSA) from 1999 to 2001. From 2003 to 2006 he was enlisted in the Airforce of Zimbabwe. He first came to national attention when he joined the The Orchestra Dendera Kings in 2004. Working under the tutelage of his uncle Allan Chimbetu and alongside his father Simon Chimbetu he juggled his fledgling music career with a full time job at the Airforce of Zimbabwe. Following his father's death in 2005 Sulumani left the Airforce of Zimbabwe to focus his energies on his music career.

Music career

After his father death in 2005 Sulumani left the Airforce and pursued a professional music career. With the departure of his uncle from The Orchestra Dendera Kings lineup he took control of the band. He launched a full-fledged solo career with the launch of his debut album in 2007 called "Ndomusiya Nani". This was followed by "Reverse Deal" (2009) and “Non Stop” (2010). Through these works he established a strong collaborative culture with several artists. These included Oliver Mtukudzi ,Shinsoman and Jah Prayzah. He also embarked on a tour schedule to support his work performing both locally and abroad. The apex of his career came with the launch of his fourth album "Syllabus". Released in 2012 it spawned the hit "Sean Timba" featuring Jah Prayzah and garnered the artists three National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) in 2013. A DVD compilation to support the album was also released in 2014 and was hailed by his fans as being of high quality.

Discography

Albums

Entanglement (December 2020)

Jamboree (November 2016)

Gunship (November 2014)

Syllabus DVD Album (2014)

Syllabus (2012) )

Non Stop (2010)

Ndomusiya Nani (DVD Album)

Reverse Deal (2008)

Ndomusiya Nani(2007)

Videos

Chinyarara

Sean Timba Live Performance

Sulu 2014 UK Show

Acting career

In August 2012 Sulumani launched an acting career after appearing in Season 2 of a local comedy series “Bag Rabvaruka” al]Assuming the role of a town boy in love with a girl eyed by many other suitors, Sulumani described the experience as "great fun" and an exploration as this was his first professional acting role.[7] The series was released on DVD in September 2012.[7]

Business Ventures

On 25 December 2013, Sulumani opened his own bar in Chegutu named "Batai Munhu Sports Bar".[8] The night spot which had been previously known as "Chegutu Arms" was renovated and rebranded by the artist.

Social Responsibility

In August 2013 Sulumani aided in the fundraising pursuits of Wicklow Simon Chimbetu Primary School located in Chegutu.[9] The institution was once adopted by Sulumani Chimbetu’s father Simon. Sulumani pledged to direct proceeds from a tribute compilation album for his father to the acquisition of book and amenities for the institution.[9] He also promised to work with the local community in the reconstruction of the school’s dilapidated buildings.

Savannah Tobacco Endorsement Deal

Early January 2015, Sulumani penned an endorsement deal with local cigarette manufacturer Savannah Tobacco. The deal was said to be one of the most lucrative endorsement deals in the country as the artist would receive direct support, publicity and marketing, album launches and other materials. The deal also roped in another popular musician Obey Makamure popularly known as Tocky Vibes and was said to be worth USD 200 000.[10]The arrangement would also see Sulu promoting one of the brands produced and sold by Savannah Tobacco, Pacific Breeze. Commenting after the signing ceremony, Savannah Tobacco chief operations officer, Tongai Zvaravanhu noted that they were honoured to have their brand being associated with Sulumani Chimbetu.

Awards

National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) "Outstanding Male Musician" 2013

National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) "Outstanding Album" 2013

National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) "The People’s Choice Award" 2013

National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) "Best Male Musician 2015" Award

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS https://www.facebook.com/pg/fansofsulu/about/
https://instagram.com/sulumaniofficialmusic?igshid=femzn6mouidp
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7sK6-Rg05WLZNcoiWflbVw