In Zimbabwe’s evolving music landscape, sungura remains a powerful vehicle for artists who entertain while reflecting the experiences of ordinary people.
Among the emerging groups embracing that tradition is Tengwe Express, an eight-member outfit rooted in Tengwe, Gokwe Chireya, with members drawn from different parts of the country.
Fronted by Victor Benito Ndhlela, popularly known as Msanii Mahiri, the group is carving out its identity through music that speaks to everyday life, community issues and faith.
“Mostly we write about things that we always see happening in communities. We also teach as well as spread the word of God through my music,” Ndhlela says.
The group takes its name from Tengwe, the small Chireya town where Ndhlela comes from. Its sound is firmly rooted in sungura, blending energetic rhythms, guitar-driven arrangements and socially conscious lyrics.
Ndhlela serves as lead vocalist and guitarist, while Petros Mapaureni plays bass guitar, Kudakwashe Mpofu handles rhythm guitar and Liberty plays drums.
Other members contribute backing vocals, instruments and dancing.
“We are a group of eight people. I am the frontman, lead vocalist and I also play lead or rhythm guitar,” Ndhlela explains.
- Tengwe Express sings community stories
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Although Tengwe provides the group with its identity, its members come from different parts of Zimbabwe, bringing varied experiences and musical influences to the outfit.
The diversity has helped shape a broader musical outlook while maintaining the band’s connection to its Gokwe roots.
At the heart of Tengwe Express’s songwriting is everyday life. The group draws inspiration from issues affecting communities, relationships and the challenges faced by ordinary people.
This approach allows the musicians to use sungura not only as entertainment, but also as a platform for social commentary and messages of faith.
Ndhlela cites Tongai Moyo and Leonard Dembo among his major musical influences, particularly admiring their ability to combine memorable melodies with lyrics that resonated with ordinary Zimbabweans.
The group and its members have also produced several recordings and collaborations.
Among them is Yeuka Vakakurera, a collaboration between Ndhlela and his brother Joseph Garakara, dedicated to the grandparents who raised him. Another collaboration, Ndinunurei, was recorded with Nigel Shoko.
Ndhlela also points to Kumanikidzwa, released in 2021, as one of the songs he considers among his standout works.
These songs reflect the personal, family and community experiences that continue to shape his creative work.
For Tengwe Express, the goal is to prove that entertainment and social responsibility can coexist.
“We want to entertain, but we also want to educate,” Ndhlela says.
As the band continues recording and performing, it is steadily building a musical identity anchored in teamwork, live musicianship, community storytelling and faith.
With its roots firmly planted in Gokwe and ambitions reaching beyond its home community, Tengwe Express sees music as a vehicle for telling Zimbabwean stories while entertaining and inspiring its audience.
