“A Torch, Not a Throne”: Clive Mono Mukundu Praises Leonard Zhakata for Choosing Legacy Over Competition
Clive “Mono” Mukundu has praised legendary Zimbabwean musician Karikoga Leonard Zhakata for what he describes as an uncommon willingness to embrace the next generation of musicians rather than treat emerging performers as competitors.
Mukundu's remarks come as Zimbabwean music continues to grapple with questions around mentorship, cover versions, copyright, artistic legacy and the relationship between established musicians and emerging performers. His praise for Zhakata places the veteran singer at the centre of that generational conversation. The discussion also comes ahead of the highly anticipated September 26 concert in Harare, where Zhakata is among the established Zimbabwean musicians sharing the stage with Intotal Band and other performers. Recent reports describe the event as a platform designed to celebrate Zimbabwe's musical heritage while connecting different generations of artists.
“A Torch, Not a Throne”
Veteran producer and guitarist Clive “Mono” Mukundu has used a tribute to Leonard Zhakata to highlight a different approach to artistic success — one that places mentorship and continuity alongside personal achievement.
Mukundu's message centres on the idea that an established musician does not necessarily lose relevance when younger performers reinterpret their work. Instead, the younger generation can become part of the process through which a musical catalogue remains alive and reaches new audiences.
Mentorship Over Competition
The relationship between established musicians and younger performers has become an increasingly important conversation within Zimbabwe's music industry. Veteran artists possess catalogues, experience and audiences, while younger musicians often bring new energy, arrangements and ways of introducing older songs to new listeners.
That relationship can sometimes become complicated when younger groups perform established songs commercially. Questions about permissions, royalties and copyright remain important parts of the wider discussion. But Mukundu's comments focus on another dimension of the relationship: what happens when an established artist chooses to engage with younger performers rather than simply viewing them through the lens of competition.
Inside the Intotal Band Story
Intotal Band has become closely associated with performances of Zimbabwean classics and the wider Legends Night concept. The group has helped create a space where younger musicians can interpret songs associated with some of the country's best-known musical figures.
Importantly, Mukundu has previously clarified that he is not the owner or founder of Intotal Band. He has described himself as the band's “mentor-in-chief”, while the group is led by director Joseph Chinouriri, popularly known as Jose Sax.
Ecobank Legends Night Africa
The conversation around mentorship arrives at an important moment for Zimbabwean entertainment. The Ecobank Legends Night Africa concert is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026 in Harare, bringing established Zimbabwean musicians and contemporary performers together on one stage.
Leonard Zhakata is part of a lineup that includes major names from Zimbabwean music, while Intotal Band is set to provide musical backing. Recent reporting also confirms international star Salif Keita as part of the event, alongside artists including Alick Macheso, Albert Nyathi and others.
Ticket Information
According to the event information used for this article, physical tickets are being made available through selected Hiltons Pharmacy outlets in Harare, while digital purchases are also available through Tikiti.co.zw.
More Than a Concert: A Conversation About Legacy
The significance of Clive Mono Mukundu's praise for Leonard Zhakata goes beyond one concert or one performance. It touches on a larger question facing Zimbabwe's music industry: how does a generation of established musicians pass its knowledge, music and experience to those coming behind it?
Zhakata's willingness, as described by Mukundu, to engage with younger musicians presents one possible answer. Instead of viewing every younger interpretation through the lens of competition, collaboration can create opportunities for older catalogues to remain relevant while giving emerging musicians valuable exposure.
At the same time, the business side of music remains important. Questions surrounding copyright, licensing, royalties and commercial performances cannot simply be separated from the artistic conversation. The challenge for the industry is finding ways for established artists, younger performers, promoters and rights organisations to coexist while ensuring that creators' work is respected.
“The spotlight is not a throne, but a torch that must be passed on.” — Clive “Mono” Mukundu
For Zhakata, Mukundu's tribute presents the veteran musician not simply as an artist with a celebrated catalogue, but as part of a broader musical ecosystem where influence can continue through the musicians who come after him.
And when Leonard Zhakata steps onto the stage with Intotal Band on September 26, the performance will carry an additional layer: the meeting of a generation that built Zimbabwean music's celebrated catalogue with a younger generation learning how to carry that music forward.
Compiled By: Leaders Mandate | Entertainment & Culture Desk
