Sulumani and Tryson Chimbetu Feud Over Songs comes to an end

Sulumani Chimbetu

Sulumani Chimbetu and his cousin have decided to settle their dispute over family songs, bringing an end to the Dendera war that had sparked criticism across the music industry. Speculation was rife that there was bad blood between the Chimbetus after Sulumani approached the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (Zimura) seeking an order to bar any musician from playing his late father’s songs.

The move came after Tryson performed most of Simon Chimbetu’s songs ahead of Sulumani at the 21st February Movement gala in Chipinge two months ago. Consequent events suggested a fast-growing feud and indications were that a serious war of words would erupt in the Chimbetu family. But both musicians confirmed they recently met to discuss the issue and Sulumani indicated he would not stop Tryson from playing the family songs.

Sources close to the development said Sulumani had offered his songs to Tryson saying his cousin could play them if he wanted to.Sulumani confirmed he met Tryson over breakfast at the former’s house saying much of the said hatred between them was a creation of outsiders.

“There was nothing bad between us. This is a family thing, there is no problem. Tryson and Douglas (Chimbetu) can play my songs or my father’s songs,” said Sulumani. He said there were some people who wanted to create a gap between him and Tryson. “It’s only that there are some people who want to tear us apart forgetting that blood is thicker than water,” he said.

He could not, however, say if he had withdrawn the complaint he had launched with Zimura. “What you must know is that we visit each other regularly so there is no need for anyone to come into our family business,” said Sulumani. Contacted for comment Tryson said his cousin had granted him permission to play any family song he wanted.

“He has told me to play his songs and Simon’s songs and he has openly told me that it is a family project,” said Tryson. The young dendera star said he was happy with the development saying it took fans down memory lane when their fathers worked together as Marxist Brothers.

Last week the two performed separately at Independence Concert in Harare with Tryson calling for unity among the Chimbetu family. Their uncle Allan said he was happy with the latest development stressing outsiders would not shake the Chimbetu family. STANDARD