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Langalakhe Mabena
They were still young and fresh on the music scene, probably embarking on their first world-wide-tour, and the United Kingdom Reggae and Pop band UB40 couldn’t complete their expedition without visiting and performing in Zimbabwe back in 1982, they had a massive following in the country anyway.
Exactly two weeks after Zimbabwe celebrated two years of Independence, UB40 would schedule a show on 2 May at Queens Sports Club, as they anticipated to perform in front of thousands of their loyal fans, who still were yearning to watch the band performing for the first time in the country.
This was one of the major shows for international acts to headline gigs in Zimbabwe post-Independence, of course, after the iconic visit by the late Jamaican Reggae King Bob Marley and the Wailers in 1980.
For the show to run smoothly, local bands had to be encompassed to be part of the gig and the Wells Fargo band was approached to be opening acts for UB40.
Wells Fargo was a very active group pre-Independence from the late 1960s. Despite black creatives pushing different political agendas during that era, Wells Fargo’ creations were apolitical, they attracted both black and white audiences.
The band comprised drummer Ebba Chitambo, Guitarist Josi Ndlovu, Handsome Mabhiza and Never Mpofu.
The memories of opening the stage for UB40 are still vivid to 72-year-old Ebba Chitambo, who is still an active performer to date, with The Friends Band.
“As Wells Fargo we were very active from the late 70s and we were favourites to every race, black or white because all of them could resonate with our music which was apolitical.
“So, when UB40 were headlining a show at Queens Sports Club in May 1982, we were called by the promoter to share the stage with them as opening acts, that was a way of giving the show a local flavour.
“The experience of going first on stage was a huge experience to us, this was our first gig to perform on a big sound system in front of thousands and we rocked the stage that day,” said Chitambo.
Technical glitches caused by a natural weather element somehow disturbed the show and it got cancelled before UB40 took to the stage.
According to the Chronicle publication of May 4, 1982, the show was cancelled after the stage equipment got damaged by the rains.
“The group could not play on Friday night because their sound-mixing system was damaged by rain. By Saturday night the equipment had not been repaired fully and with the danger of rain falling again, the band was unable to go on stage,” reported our sister paper the Chronicle.
UB40 was forced to stay for a week in the city of Kings, to stage a show at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Hall, which was secure and safe from bad weather elements.
Again, Wells Fargo were called to open the stage once more.
“We did justice on our first show and the promoter had to call us again to re-open the stage for UB40, this time at ZITF. We got used to big machines on the previous gig and that boosted our morale and we nailed the performance.
“It seemed we charmed the promoter and the UB40 guys because when they moved to Harare to stage another show there, they refused to perform with Harare bands. We had to be called and ferried by airplane to go and perform in the capital.
“We created good memories with UB40 on all these gigs and at some point we even talked of collaborating on different levels but that didn’t come to fruition,” said Chitambo.
Fast forward 41 years later, the globe-trotting UB40 are set to reunite and connect with their Zimbabwean fans as the nine-piece band are set to perform at Old Hararians Sports Club on Africa Day (25 May).
They will perform alongside young talents in the names of Guitar Sangoma Sylent Nqo, Mimmie Tarukwana as well as The Voice South Africa 2017 Runner Up Josh Ansley.
From his base in Harare, Sylent Nqo said it had always been a wish for him to share the stage with UB40.
“Dreams do come true. From playing Red Red Wine on Marimba in high school, to opening for one of the greatest bands of all time! I am pleased to be opening the stage for UB40 featuring Ali Campbell,” said Sylent Nqo who once toured the world with the late music guru Oliver Mtukudzi.
Songstress Mimmie Tarukwana is over the moon at the same time shocked that she will perform with B40.
“I got a call from the organisers of the show and I couldn’t believe that I was chosen to perform alongside UB40. It’s a dream come true for me because these are the people who inspire me musically.
“Growing up, my parents used to listen to UB40 a lot and I could sing along to their songs. I am happy and at the same time I am shocked to be performing with them, but it’s a great challenge as I have to up my game,” said Tarukwana.
Event organiser Walter Wanyanya of Ngoma Nehosho Promotions said UB40 fits the bill for the type of entertainment they want to offer.
“As Ngoma Nehosho, one of our goals is to produce live events that are of a certain standard and UB40 fits perfectly into that agenda. This is not the first time that we’re curating something of this magnitude because we’ve hosted acts such as Joss Stone, Hugh Masekela, Prime Circle as well as producing the Stanbic Bank Jacaranda Music Festival annually,” Wanyanya said.
On his Twitter handle, UB40 founding member Ali Campbell confirmed the gig and said he was ready to party with local fans.
“Zimbabwe, we can’t wait to party with you guys on the 25th of May. UB40 ft Ali Campbell will be in Zimbabwe at Old Hararians Sports Ground. Super excited to party with you all,” tweeted Campbell.
UB40 was formed in 1978, in Birmingham, England. They coined and named the group UB40 which referred to an unemployment benefit form which was common among the disaffected youth in the United Kingdom in the 80s.
UB40 has achieved considerable international success over a career close to a golden jubilee, having won several awards and topped many charts, are famous for their ground-breaking hits including Labour of Love, Rat in the Kitchen and Signing Off.
The ensemble has sold over 70 million records to date. They are not planning to stop anytime soon as the band continues to create and build on a legacy.
Tickets for the show are pegged at US$60 and they are available at Techtools Avondale, Pariah State Borrowdale, Pariah State Avondale and Pariah State Highland Park.
mbulelo smpofu
shloboe boe
