Safirio Madzikatire is considered to be one of the founders of Zimbabwean pop music, art, and culture. As a signer, songwriter, comedian, and actor, Madzikatire touched almost everyone in Zimbabwe through one artistic medium or another.
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A carpenter by trade, Safirio turned to the arts in the 1960s. He took part in a Shona radio show on the Rhodesian Broadcasting Corporation and eventually recorded comedic songs. These were, in fact, some of the first pop recordings in the Zimbabwean music industry.
Safirio became well-known for his music and acting troupe the Mukadota Family. He starred on radio and TV under the Mukadota name alongside his longtime creative partner, Susan Chenjerai, between 1964 and 1987. They also toured and produced popular musical comedy records, including the single Katarina, which was a big hit in 1983.
Safirio eventually joined the Ocean City Band with his song Elijiah, and in 1981 they both moved over to the Brave New Sun band. Safirio is considered to be a cultural icon in Zimbabwe. He has been honoured by fellow musicians - Oliver Mtukudzi dedicates his song Andinzwi to the memory of Madzikatire, a cultural hero. A Harare primary school has also been named after him. In 2003, the National Arts Merit Council awarded Safirio a posthumous Arts Service Award for lifetime achievement.
Safirio's groups have included the Mukadota Family, the Ocean City Band, the Sea Cottage Sisters, the New World Band, and Brave New Sun. Like his son, he has also appeared in many radio and TV commercials.
Mukadota as he was popularly known is the best comedian, musician and performing artits to ever emerge from Zimbabwe. Mukadota was a natural comedian who was immensely gifted.....to us here at ZimbeatNews, he was the epitome of success in comedy and music....His works still dominate the entertainment scene years after his death.
Hey Zimbos, tell us who you think was the best comedian of all time in modern zimbabwe? Leave your comments below.
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