By Ronnie Chisamba
The dent, social chaos, and loss of lives being caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has touched a Zimbabwean musician leading to a change of his stage name. Kadoma-based conscious reggae artiste, George Mandevu (44) – for long known as Barbed-wire or General Kartel – has changed his name to Jah Flame.
“COVID-19 is causing so much pain and deaths all over the world. This pandemic is real and humans should be geared up to fight this social intruder and a common enemy.
“lt is this realisation which has made me take note of the need for a stage name that fits in well in the context of the struggle at hand. After consultations with my family, producer and other stakeholders l have decided that Jah Flame sounded just right,” said the 44- year-old musician during an online interview.
Born in Kadoma on the 7th of January 1976, Mandevu launched his music career at the tender age of 15, but financial challenges perturbed his professional growth.
Despite the negative factors he has managed to release a number of singles. Over the years, the musician’s professional endeavours have not gone unnoticed. His music has been played on national radio stations. Mandevu has also been interviewed on Z.B.C TV’s popular Morning Live program.