Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Do you remember the dynamic duo of Rangarirai Sagombeto and Kelvin Chikore who gifted us the track “Tina” 26 years ago?
Do you recall the impact of this chart-topper as it ushered sungura lovers into the new millennium?
It was a marvel to hear both kids and elders singing along to “Tina,” which became a national anthem.
Based on a true story, the well-crafted song propelled the duo to acclaim.
The duo is now pursuing different career paths.
Assembled in Dzivaresekwa, Harare, the then youthful duo burst onto the showbiz scene with remarkable energy in 1999.
Together, they complemented each other, dominating the music scene of their time.
Their compositions, rooted in real-life experiences, social commentary and beautiful love stories, made them unique.
The R & K African Sounds co-founders left footprints hard to ignore.
Their 2001 split shattered the music landscape, while their 2005 reunion gave fans renewed hope.
However, their 2008 final divorce saw them go their separate ways.
Ranga became a clearing agent in Beitbridge, while Kelvin settled in Cape Town, where he currently works.
Unfortunately, misfortune seems to be trailing Ranga, who is battling a mysterious health scare threatening his comeback.
Although hopeful of returning to music, this condition has haunted him for the past three years.
So dire is Ranga’s situation that he sometimes struggles to walk 100 meters when under attack. Despite the condition, music remains his first love.
In a recent interview with The Herald Arts, Ranga began by discussing his health.
Taking us down memory lane, he chose to start by mentioning what has stalled his progress in life and his music career.
A day before the interview, he had gone to Norton to seek spiritual help at an apostolic shrine.
Ranga mentioned that numbness in his legs and dizziness have plagued him for years.
“It feels good to be remembered by the media during such trying times, but I am still alive and doing music,” he said. “I have not quit music, as some have claimed, because it is my calling. The only issue now is my illness, which has not gone unnoticed on social media or in various radio interviews.”
Ranga is currently recording two singles at Trutone Studio under Jabulani Ndlovu.
“When I opened up about my condition, two fans—Baba Ngwasuma and Sylvester Mpofu—sponsored my studio time. I am recording ‘Chigaramatombo’ and ‘Zvakaendwa.’ One of the sponsors has been driving me to and from the studio,” he shared.
Explaining how he manages his condition, Ranga said: “I’ve tried everything, consulting prophets, taking traditional remedies, and seeing medical doctors who took my blood samples. Unfortunately, nothing has been detected so far.
“We now suspect I am facing serious spiritual warfare. At a family level, we consulted elders and spiritualists who said a snake is causing this, but I still have faith I will overcome.”
Reflecting on the late ‘90s when they started R & K African Sounds, Ranga recalled the challenges.
“I always enjoyed singing, but it was tough for musicians to record back then. After high school, I worked as a bus conductor to raise funds for recording.”
In 1999, they finally recorded their first album, “Dama Rakanaka”, featuring the hit song “Tina.”
Ranga combined forces with Kelvin Chikore to form R & K African Sounds.
“I was the first to venture into music but realised I needed support.
“I invited Kelvin to Harare, and we recorded a demo tape together.
“Our music producer Tymon Mabaleka at Grammar Records recorded us, knowing Kelvin because he did most of the bookings.”
The name R & K African Sounds emerged unexpectedly.
“We initially wanted to call ourselves Combined Efforts, but we were surprised to hear our song played on radio under R & K African Sounds, Mabaleka had given us that name.”
After their debut album’s success, they recorded another album titled “Raramo”, which did well on the charts.
“We shook the industry but parted ways in 2001 when Kelvin started missing rehearsals. I consulted Shepherd Chinyani, who blessed my musical journey, and Mai Hativagoni, who sponsored us, but our situation worsened.
“I reunited with Kelvin in 2005 for a tour of Namibia and recorded the album ‘Mhemberero’, but three years later, we parted ways for good.”
The last time they recorded together was in 2010. Afterwards, Ranga became a clearing agent at Beitbridge Border Post. He gained experience and formed his company, but it collapsed. Ranga also ventured into mining with fellow musician Madzibaba Willim Chapo, but illness stalled his progress.
He even tried selling clothes but was arrested having lost his passport in Zambia, halting that business. Now in his late 40s, he finds himself at a crossroads as his mysterious illness haunts him.
“I have done everything, but what I want now is peace and spiritual help. I will fight on till the end,” he declared.
Despite all that has happened, R&K African Sounds will always be remembered among the top sungura outfits in Zimbabwe.
Like most groups in Zimbabwe, R & K African Sounds’ fate was sealed when they separated.
Ranga and Kelvin badly needed each other, but the gods had other plans.
We can only celebrate what they gave us and overlook their conflicts and friction.
