The soulful journey of ‘Banolila’

Tafadzwa Zimoyo

Entertainment Editor

There are some songs that subconsciously spring you into dance and fancy footwork, and before you even think of it, you also find yourself singing along, albeit in intermittent huffs and puffs. 

“Munditjidzeee wobasekulu,”

“Banolila bana benyuu,”

“Ndokumbila Maboko Hazwadzi,”

“Ndinginise bana kukwele….”

These stirring lyrics from the timeless song, “Banolila” resonate deeply, raising a tapestry of emotions that unite generations.

Its infectious rhythm invites all to dance freely, embodying joy and sorrow in a single beat.

At its core, “Banolila” translates to “they are crying” in the Kalanga language, echoing the heart-wrenching tale of a mother pleading for financial support to educate her children.

This poignant narrative captures the struggles faced by many, making the song a powerful anthem for those navigating life’s challenges.

Well, in showbiz circles they know him as “Chase Skuza” but his real name is Nicholas Skhuza.

“I got the name Chase because I was the fastest runner at school.

“I did long-distance running so they nicknamed me Long Chase and I later inherited the name in music,” revealed Chase in an interview with The Herald Arts.

A proud super dad of 18 children, the towering vocalist and dancer inherited his brother’s band and excelled beyond expectations.

Who remembers or still knows, let alone dance to the tune “Banolila”?

Not every wedding can pass without the track played.

First, according to music record, the song was released in 1983 by the late Solomon Skuza, brother to Chase.

Their catchy hit “Banolila” later gained traction in the late 90s, and has become their signature hit.

The well-knit track, which IYASA made a national anthem at the turn of the new millennium is still as wonderful as ever.

But where is Chase, besides performing at some of the national gala events, what has he been up to and is he still in the game?

He explains and clarifies on the ‘Banolila’ song.

“Banolila was composed by my late brother Solomon Skuza, it was composed in Zambia during the liberation struggle, early 1978, then he came in 1980 to Zimbabwe and recorded the single in 1981,” he said.

“We had a band called Banolila Band with my late brother Solomon.”

“He passed away in 1994 on May 24, then l took over, continuing singing as Chase Skuza.”

True to this, the song has remained popular among the diverse Zimbabwean groups at weddings and parties.

Besides the famous song where and who is Chase?

“I am based in Plumtree, Ntoli Village in Bulilimangwe, under Chief Manguba. I am still in the game though I am now 63 years old.

“For now most of my time I will be in the fields. I am now into farming sorghum, maize, millet, and watermelons.

“I have been surviving on this apart from music shows,” he said.

The veteran singer said has been in the music industry for 37 years.

“I did my first album – ‘Ukubambana’ which was recorded in 1988 but before that, I used to work with my brother Solomon.

“This year I have my album which I am currently working on and will be ready by August as I will be launching it at a venue yet to be announced.”

“I have 35 albums under my sleeve and the new album will be my 36th. It is called, ‘Inhlonipho’ which means ‘Respect’, and will carry eight tracks.

“The album is based on teaching children about respect and to desist from drug abuse and early marriages,” he said.

But how does he stay in shape and balance music and farming as a family man?

“I have 18 children and to stay in shape, I work very hard, and drink lots of water. I only eat traditional foods and fruits, I jog every morning and make sure I have enough time to sleep,” said Chase.

Asked what is the greatest moment in his career, the musician said was when he did the video of Banolila.

“Some say Banolila others Balolila but it is all the same.

“In my career, my greatest moment was when I did a video of the hit song (Balolila), collaborating with IYASA.

“I miss that a lot and cherish it. This project stayed on top for seven years even up to date, some weddings without this song will be boring,” he said.

Chase added that to make it in this industry one needs to be diligent and have integrity.

“Talent is an inborn thing that you can’t take away from anyone.”

“However, when it comes to the music industry, one needs to have good equipment, transportation to and from one place especially if you stay far away, good management, and be professional.

“Artists need to desist from drugs. Drugs are not good for health and mental.”

“My role model is Lovemore ‘The Great’ Majayivana and we had a good working relationship and understanding of each other.

“My band members are doing farming when we are not playing music, I have a project of breeding pigs. So far, the project is doing well,” he said.

Given a chance, Chase said would like to work with the ‘King of Sungura’ Alick Macheso.

“I admire Macheso, his consistency and love for music make me want to work with such a personality.”

Chase said his last performance was on New Year’s Day at the Hakuna Keziin, Matabeleland South.

“It is an annual event and this time around they invited me.

“The event served as a gathering for the Kalanga people, a way to revive and celebrate their rich heritage.”

As he continues to inspire through music, Chase remains a vibrant force, intertwining the threads of tradition and modernity, reminding us all of the beauty in both laughter and tears.

Through his heartwarming melodies and unwavering commitment to his community, Chase embodies the spirit of resilience and hope.

In every note of ‘Banolila’, one can hear the echoes of a life well-lived—a life filled with love, struggle, and an unyielding passion for music that transcends time and space.

Related Posts

Local Premiership excites British Brigade

Langton Nyakwenda THE arrival of former Celtics starlet Kundai Benyu at Harare giants CAPS United has sparked a significant interest in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League from United Kingdom-based…

Italy blocks DeepSeek

Italy has become the first country to ban the Chinese AI model, DeepSeek, after its data protection authority blocked the app on Thursday, citing concerns over its handling of personal…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You Missed

SADC to intensify DRC peace efforts

SADC to intensify DRC peace efforts

‘Sadc a staunch advocate for DRC peace’

‘Sadc a staunch advocate for DRC peace’

AI art: Friend or foe? . .Local artists weigh in on the creative revolution

AI art: Friend or foe? . .Local artists weigh in on the creative revolution

Against the odds. . .Woman, maid share breast cancer survival story

Against the odds. . .Woman, maid share breast cancer survival story