Leonard Zhakata

Leonard "Karikoga" Zhakata (born . 25 June 1968) is a Zimbabwean musician and singer. He writes and sings mainly in his native Shona tongue. Zhakata, who adorns trademark glittering outfits, is best known for his hits Hupenyu Mutoro, Batai Mazwi and "Gomba Remarara". However, it was his 1994 smash hit Mugove, from the album Maruva Enyika, which evaded government censorship and propelled him to national stardom.

Background He started writing his first song in 1986 and was a member of SUNGURA BOYS; Simon Chimbetu, Nicholas Zakariah, John Chibadura, Daiton Somanje, and Leonard Dembo were all part of the SUNGURA BOYS. From the group Zhakata split with his nephew Thomas Makion to create Maungwe Brothers. Simon Chimbetu split with his brothers Brian and Naison Chimbetu to create Dendera Kings. Nicholas Zakariah split to create Khiama Boys. Leonard Dembo went solo as well as Daiton Somanje.

In 1994

Zhakata is a qualified Fitter and Turner and the only boy in a family of seven. Leonard Zhakata used to sneak from home and play music with his primary school mates. Then at Shiri Yedenga School in Glen Norah, Harare, at the age of thirteen, he had his first music composition "Baba vaSamson". Pursuing school and later serving for an apprenticeship, it took Leonard sometime before he could record. After, the frustration of being turned down by recording companies, he had his lucky break and recorded his first 12-inch entitled "Moyo muti" sometime in 1989, to be followed by an album "Yarira Mhera "in 1990.

Zhakata's songwriting skills continued to rise with the releases of chart busting songs such as 'Tungidza Gwenya' and 'Shungu dzemwoyo'. He however seemed to remain in the mediocre periphery of "Who is Who" on the Zimbabwean music scene, until the release of his mega chartbusting album Maruva Enyika with hit song Mugove in 1994. Backed by a very tight musical outfit, The Zimbabwean All Stars Band and a well choreographed dance display, this album set Zimbabwe on fire during the festive season of the same year. No party was complete without "Mugove" being played. Those who had doubted Zhakata's music mastery had to think again. All albums that followed thereafter Nzombe Huru, Vagoni Vebasa, and three others, established Zhakata within the Zimbabwean music household.

Zhakata nicknamed himself Karikoga, a word that means "Loner." This nickname appears to stem from the poverty he endured as a lone child. In fact, many of his albums have included at least one song dedicated to the suffering masses as well as to people whose upbringing was full of mishaps.

Music rivalries Leonard Dembo Simon Chimbetu Alick Macheso Tongai Moyo

Discography Sheshe Yangu, 1989 Yarira Mhere, 1990 Shungu Dzemoyo, 1991 Maruva Enyika, 1994 Nhamo Dzenyika, 1995 Mandishorei, 1995 Nzombe Huru, 1996 Greatest Hits, 1996 (compilation) Vagoni Vebasa, 1997 Ndingaite Sei?, 1998 Pakayambuka, 1999 Kumera Kwezora, 2000 Original Rhythms Of Africa (ZORA) (also known as Ndiriwenyu), 2000 Mubikira, 2001 Hodho, 2003 (once banned in Zimbabwe) Udza Vamwe (Spread the message), 2004 Tine Vimbo, 2006 Zora meets Mbira (Zombi), 2009 Gotwe (Last Born), 2011 Zvangu zvaita, 21 December 2013 Mutungadzose 8 July 2016 Game Changer (released as a single with 2 versions) Musandityire (I am a Fighter), June 2020 (a single off the upcoming album titled Mupendero Wenguva) Mupendero Wenguva 14 December 2022