Paul Matavire

Infobox musical artist

Name = Paul Matavire


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Background = solo_singer
Birth_name = Paul Matavire
Alias = Dr. Love
Born = birth date|1961|08|3
Died = death date and age|2005|10|18|1961|08|3
Rutenga, Mwenezi (District), Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe
Origin = Maranda, Mwenezi (District), Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe
Genre = Sungura, Jit, Rhumba.
Occupation = Singer Social Worker
Years_active = 1982 - 2005
URL =

Paul Matavire rose to prominence in the 1980s when he joined the Jairos Jiri Band based in Bulawayo at Jairos Jiri Rehabilitation Centre. He was then elected to lead the Jairo Jiri Band, one of Zimbabwe's finest musicians to emerge after the country gained independence from its former colonial master, Britain in 1980. The vibrant musician was born in Maranda, Mwenezi District and died at the age 44 at his farm in Rutenga, Masvingo.

Music career

The Jairos Jiri Band are representatives of Jairos Jiri, the Disabled Musicians' Society. They are led by singer Paul Matavire, was a social worker who was left blind by glaucoma as a child. While Paul's deep lyrics garnered him the nickname of Dr. Love, his songs were also known for their social commentary. [Paul Matavire Discography [http://www.zimaudio.com/artistPage.php?artistSent=Paul%20Matavire%20and%20The%20Jairos%20Jiri%20Band] ] The JJB grew in popularity during the late 80s, and even toured abroad. Their success was interrupted by Matavire's one year incarceration on rape charges. The band commemorated his 1991 release with the song [Back from College] , about his experiences in jail. [Back from College [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Jc7NS2toi0] ] The band, comprising of various musicians under Matavire's leadership released 13 albums, the latest being 2003's Zimbe Remoto.

Matavire was also known for leading a simple life. Semi-retired before his death, he balanced music with tending goats and cattle in Rutenga where he moved after 2000 when he was awarded a farm by the government.

Albums

*Matavire Mbune (with Jaios Jiri Band, 1989 LP)
*Doctor Love Volume 2 (1990, LP)
*Akanaka Akaraka (with the Hit Machine, 1993, LP)
*Gakanje (with the Hit Machine, 1995, LP)
*Fadza Customer (with the Hit Machine, 1998, LP)
*Govanai (1999, CT)

See also

*Simon Chimbetu
*James Chimombe

References