Kombai & Chinamanenji

Having a unique combination of creativity and a passion for making things happen, Kombai Matonhodze is a versatile artist. He was born on 24 April 1979 in Chiredzi, Zimbabwe and attended Chipiwa Primary School and Driefontein Central Primary School. He went on to Victoria High School and Mashoko High School. Having always wanted to be a musician, he chose to study music at Africa University in Mutare, majoring in Music and Psychology. Here he played drums for a gospel group called El Shaddai. Tanzanian academic Professor Mitchel Strumpf contributed immensely to his foundational training in music. After finishing his undergraduate degree, he went on to start his traditional music band, Kombai ne Chinamanenji, at home in Chiredzi. It is at this time that Kombai met his wife, Virginia (Gina), who is an incredible vocalist.

In 2005 he decided to relocate to Harare, where there were more opportunities to develop his band and his music career. He settled at the Pakare Paye Arts Centre, were he sought the guidance of Oliver Mtukudzi. At that point, Kombai neChinamanenji grew tremendously, mainly because of the experience, exposure and expertise drawn from ‘Tuku’. Kombai performed as Mtukudzi’s opening act at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) and other venues. Tuku advised the band to use traditional instruments exclusively. Kombai neChinamanenji also went on to perform at the Coca-Cola Green for the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA) .

In 2006 Kombai recorded his first album, 'Sorojena', at Shed studios. It was recorded, mixed and produced by Isaac Chirwa. The song 'Ini ndaenda' went on to win a competition run by Women Filmmakers of Zimbabwe, the prize being the production of a music video. Their breakthrough video was shot in various locations and featured professionals from the Tumbuka Dance Company and other actors as well. It was produced by Tsitsi Dangarembga and directed by Leonard Matsa and is available on YouTube. In 2007 the group participated at the National Mbira Festival, together with 53 other mbira groups.

In 2008 Kombai played ngororombe (panpipe) together with the late Chiwoniso Maraire and Hope Masike at the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) ceremony in Harare, with Chiwoniso playing the mbira and singing and Hope playing the rain stick. In the Bocapa Xposure, a national competition held by Pamberi Trust at the Book Cafe, Kombai neChinamanenji came second, earning an opportunity to perform in place of Chiwoniso whenever she was tied up somewhere else. In 2011 Kombai neChinamanenji toured Tanzania, where they participated in the Ethnomusicology Symposium at the University of Dar es Salaam. They also performed at the Wagogo Music Festival in Chamwino Village in Dodoma, Tanzania.