The Spirit of Dendera Lives On: Sulu Keeps Chopper’s Flame Alive 20 Years Later
Sona Headlines | Entertainment News | Zimpapers Hub
Suluman Chimbetu may be enjoying a purple patch in his career, but the legacy of his father continues to weigh heavily on him—20 years after the legend's passing. Simon "Chopper" Chimbetu, a declared provincial hero, died on August 14, 2005, leaving behind a musical empire that many feared would fade. Instead, thanks to Sulu's dedication, the Dendera flame burns brighter than ever.
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| Suluman Chimbetu in action, channeling the spirit of his late father. |
Two Decades Without Chopper
Simon Chimbetu died at the age of 49 and was buried at the Chinhoyi Heroes Acre. Initially, there were fears that his unique Dendera sound would die with him. However, his son Suluman has defied the odds, recording regularly and holding sold-out gigs to ensure the brand remains a powerhouse in Zimbabwe's music scene.
"To me, it’s a huge challenge that I carry on my shoulders because I can’t afford to let this legacy die just like that, my brother."
"It’s been a long time without my father and it feels like just yesterday that he departed this world, but we keep going," Sulu reflected. He expressed deep gratitude for the generational transfer of loyalty, noting that fans who supported his father are now showing up for him.
Channeling the Spirit
Last Friday, Sulu turned The Yard Restaurant (formerly Bar Rouge) at Long Cheng Plaza into a Dendera shrine. Exuding confidence, he belted out hit after hit. Regulars at the show sang along to every word, and at times, Sulu appeared to be in a trance—as if possessed by Chopper’s spirit himself.
Sulu vowed to continue investing in his stagecraft. "I can’t afford to short-change people because the stage means a lot to me," he said. "You can be a good performer, but when your communication skills are poor, you’re as good as someone who hasn’t started music."
Ready to Rumble
With the festive season fast approaching, Sulu confirmed that his camp is ready. "It’s a busy season where fans will be spending more, and the demand for entertainment will be high," he noted. His management has organized a detailed schedule of shows designed to give fans flawless performances throughout the holidays.
A Plea for Safety
In a responsible move, Sulu urged his fans to celebrate with caution. "Fans tend to get overly excited. In our line of work, we rely on the supporters who attend our shows, and we never want to lose them."
He specifically condemned drunk driving: "I often hear some people brag that they drive better when under the influence of alcohol, which is totally wrong. We should always try to be responsible on the roads to avoid accidents."
Quick Facts
He passed away on August 14, 2005.
At The Yard Restaurant (formerly Bar Rouge) at Long Cheng Plaza, Harare.
He urged fans to celebrate responsibly and avoid drinking and driving.
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