By Ezra Tshisa Sibanda
Father Zimbabwe Joshua Nkomo attended Dan Tshanda and Splash sold out show at Barbourfields Stadium, Bulawayo.
As seen in the picture with him, I was the MC of the event and Mqabuko came on stage smiled and said “Uligabazi wena mfana uzalwa mbani?” I laughed and told him my mother was the former PF Zapu Midlands Provincial Treasurer before Unity Accord.
He knew her very well and said my mum was a distinguished lady. He then asked about the sound system and how much it would cost to buy one. By then it was around US5000 to get one, after hearing of the cost, uMdala Wethu smiled and said “suka wena kuyadula lokhu, uzama ukungiqila wena mfana, manje awungeke” laughing continously. We watched the show chatting about “amakatali” as he called music, he was busy nodding his head and clapping hands appeared to be enjoying the performance big time.
He laughed throughout the show at the Splash Band which was performing while wearing suits without shirts. Nyongolo then said “Abafana beGoli ngoguluva kodwa zimnandi ingoma zabo uyazizwa”.
His aid gave him water to drink and he questioned why he didnt give me water to drink as well. Mafukufuku then handed me his bottle of water and asked the aid to go bring another one. After an hour, he tapped my shoulder and said “jaha sesihamba sikholisile, ubuye ehofisini uzongibona ngomvulo”. It was the first time to meet and chat direct to uMdala I was very nervous and it left me trembling but very excited. It was the beginning of what was to be a very close relationship for nearly 20 years with uMdala.
Joshua Nkomo loved me so much and would invite me to his Matshemhlophe House and also Blue Lagoon. He never liked interviews but invited me one day to his house where we spent the whole day with his wife Gogo Mafuyana chatting.
Mdala opened up and told me his whole life story, from his upbringing, Education, His Family, Zapu, Liberation War, Zipra, Kaunda, Independence, Mugabe, Britain, Russia, North Korea, Gukurahundi up to the Unity Accord and why it had to be done. I recorded 5 hours of material and only managed to broadcast first 2 shows out of 8 and my tapes were then confistcated by ZBC bosses who were instructed by the then GVT to scrap the show off the schedules.
I am still very bitter about that and l wish they can give them back to me. Rest In Peace My Hero!
