HARARE - Dendera fans, promoters and the Orchestra Dendera Kings band will join hands to honour Moffat “Mofela” Nyamupandu, the longest serving member of the group at Harare’s Jazz 105 on Friday.

Suluman Chimbetu, the Orchestra Dendera Kings frontman confirmed the development.

“Yes there is a party at Jazz 105 to honour Moffat,” said Chimbetu.

Joe Nyamungoma, public relations officer at Orchestra Dendera Kings said Moffat is being honoured for faithfully serving the band through its ups and downs.

“He served the group for 26 years and we have all the reasons to honour him,” said Nyamungoma.

However, Nyamungoma declined to reveal the package or prize Moffat is going to receive from the band.

Nyamungoma said Josh Hozheri, Partson Chimboza of Chipaz promotions, Pakare Paye (Oliver Mtukudzi), proprietors of Megga 1, Mverechena and Mushandirapamwe hotels are some of the musical promoters that have confirmed to honour the bassist who has basically seen it all in local showbiz.

Mofela, as the seasoned instrumentalist is fondly referred to in music circles joined the group in 1986 — during the infant stages of the Marxist Brothers which later become the Orchestra Dendera Kings.

He worked with the late Simon, Naison and Brian Chimbetu and he is now with Allan and Suluman Chimbetu.

“Mofela never missed a showcase since he joined the group, he never left the outfit for said greener pastures,” commented Nyamungoma.

Dendera Resango was the first album he recorded with the band followed by Africa released in 1987.

When Naison split to form the group G 7 Commandos, Mofela remained performing with Simon.

During Simon’s incarceration Brian his young brother temporarily led the outfit.

He also helped Naison to record some of his songs while at Simon’s group and in 2005 when the Dzandipedza Mafuta singer passed away, Allan took over and recorded an album before Suluman stamped his authority to lead the popular band.

Moffat started playing guitar at a tender age, while at primary school in Chinhoyi before being identified by one of Orchestra Dendera Kings members.

Moffat is married to Anna Bendick and the couple is blessed with two sons Mike, 16 and Moses, 10.