Amos Mahendere Biography | Background | Siblings | Wife | Children | House | Education | Career as a Musician | Career as a Producer | Awards | Assault Case
Amos Mahendere is a Zimbabwean musician and music producer who gained prominence as a member of the Mahendere Brothers before embarking on a solo career.
Background
Amos Mahendere’s father, Paul Mahendere, passed away in January 2021 due to a chest complication at the age of 77.
Siblings
Amos Mahendere has brothers named Misheck Mahendere, Michael Mahendere, and Akim Mahendere. He also has sisters named Naume, Ruth (deceased), and Opah.
Wife
Amos Mahendere is married to Noliwe.
Children
Amos Mahendere and his wife Noliwe have four daughters named Lisa, Trish, Happiness (deceased), and Felicia, as well as a son named Joshua.
House
Mahendere resides in a 15-room double-storey house located in Unit G Extension, Chitungwiza. He constructed the house after selling over 38,000 copies of his music for a dollar each.
Education
In December 2021, Amos Mahendere was conferred with certificates in Pastoral Ministry and Counseling.
Career as a Musician
Amos Mahendere gained recognition as part of the Mahendere Brothers, a highly talented family group that included his teenage brother, Michael Mahendere. Their debut album, Hupenyu Hwepanyika, propelled them to fame in the 1990s. In 2020, Amos Mahendere released a single titled “Rudimbwa” and an album titled “Serendipity.”
Career as a Producer
Amos Mahendere played a significant role in naming and producing the Mbare Chimurenga Choir. He also contributed to the formation of the Born Free Crew.
His career as a music producer commenced in 2002 when he participated in the creation of the Score Warriors jingle, penned by Professor Jonathan Moyo.
Mahendere assisted Kudzi Nyakudya in recording his song “Gadziriro” and also lent his expertise to Fungisai Zvakavapano.
Additionally, he produced various jingles such as “Bearers Cheque,” “Rambai Makashinga” by Tambaoga, “Zesa Yauya Zvine Power,” and other jingles for Zanu-PF.
Awards
Amos Mahendere has received several accolades throughout his career, including the NAMA (National Arts Merit Awards) for Best Video in 2006, Zimpraise Legacy Award in 2012, Best Indigenous Group, and a Permican at UFIC.
Assault Case
On August 1, 2012, Amos Mahendere faced legal consequences for pointing a firearm at a commuter omnibus driver. He was sentenced to 210 hours of community service and fined US$100 for assaulting the driver.
His co-accused, Washington Tapfumaneyi and Moses Chonse, were each fined US$100 for their involvement in the assault.
Mahendere was found guilty by Chitungwiza magistrate Rumbidzai Mugwagwa after a trial that began in May 2012. The magistrate imposed an eight-month jail sentence but suspended two months on the condition that Mahendere completes 210 hours of unpaid community service.
Mahendere fulfilled community service at Makoni District Development Fund over a span of six weeks.
The incident occurred on May 13, 2012, in Unit G Extension when Chonse and Tapfumaneyi, along with the conductor, boarded Nyika’s kombi.
A dispute over the radio volume led to a heated argument, causing Chonse and Tapfumaneyi to exit the vehicle along with the conductor.
Harsh words were exchanged, prompting Nyika to intervene. Misinterpreting his actions, Chonse and Tapfumaneyi assumed Nyika intended to fight them. Tapfumaneyi restrained Nyika, while Chonse physically assaulted him.
Amos Mahendere arrived at the scene with a pistol, pointing it at Nyika’s chest. He proceeded to strike Nyika three times in the face with the butt of the gun.
After the assault, Mahendere forced Nyika into the kombi, removed the keys from the ignition, and delivered another blow to his face.
