The Tumultuous Life Of First Farai: How Sungura’s ‘Simba’ Lost His Roar
Special Report • February 19, 2026
Talent Overshadowed by Chaos. Born Aliya Mwanambo, the man known to the world as First Farai was once the shining hope of Zimbabwe's Sungura scene. Leading the Hurudza Express, he possessed the stage presence to rival the greats. Yet, his journey has become a cautionary tale of squandered potential. From allegedly stealing funeral funds to faking his own mother’s death for cash, Farai’s career is a complex mix of ambition, poverty, and a string of scandals that simply won't go away.
| The Man Behind the Myths: First Farai's rise was meteoric, but his fall has been slow and painful. |
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His story began with tragedy in Chinhoyi, losing his mother while only in Grade Three. Despite this, he fought his way to the Inter-regional Music Crossroads in Tanzania in 2002, breaking through with the hit album "Simba Racho." But as his fame grew, so did the controversy. Today, he is viewed by many not as a musical icon, but as a tragic figure who "donated his energy" to an industry that gave little back, leading him down a path of desperation and deceit.
The Copycat Label
Dogged by comparisons to the late Tongai Moyo, Farai's acceptance of a "red jacket" from the legend only fueled accusations that he was a mere imitator rather than an innovator.
"Mari Yechema"
A shadow was cast over Farai in 2011 when fellow musician Hosiah Chipanga accused him of stealing condolence money at the funeral of the legendary Cephas Mashakada.
Farai attempted to clear his name by threatening to release a song titled "Mari Yechema" (Condolence Money) to tell his side of the story—a song that never materialized. This incident damaged his reputation permanently and cast doubt on his respect for tradition.
Legal troubles mounted in 2015 when Farai was arrested for allegedly assaulting a music fan during a show in Hwedza. The incident painted a picture of a volatile artist unable to handle the pressures of public performance.
"Donating My Energy"
Farai’s struggle to convert fame into finance became a recurring theme. In 2014, frustration peaked, and he suspended live shows, claiming he was essentially "donating his energy" due to a lack of profitability.
"This decision cut him off from a crucial source of income and audience connection," observers noted, leading to the repossession of his sound equipment by Hard Sounds due to unpaid installments.
The Mother of All Lies
In perhaps his most desperate moment, Farai orchestrated a hoax in 2017, claiming his mother had passed away to collect condolence money from well-wishers.
The lie unraveled when investigations revealed his mother had actually died in his childhood (1978). When confronted by The Herald, Farai reportedly broke down in tears and threatened suicide. The act exposed a deep moral failing and raised serious questions about his mental well-being.
Can He Rise Again?
First Farai's story offers a glimpse into the lack of structure in the Zimbabwean music industry. While his choices were his own, the pressure to survive drove him to extremes.
As he navigates his future, the question remains: can the man who once sang "Secret Number" overcome the noise of controversy, or is his legacy forever defined by the scandals he created?
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