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| Zvishavane Sounds Front Man and Wamatuka Hit Maker Gift"Case"Amuli. |
Gift Amuli is a Zimbabwean Sungura musician best known for the hit song Wamatuka, a track that cemented his place on the national music scene. Fondly known by fans as “Case,” Amuli’s journey reflects resilience, struggle, and an undying passion for music that grew from humble beginnings into a recognised career.
Background
Gift Amuli was born to Jane Dube, whose life story is closely tied to his own. Jane worked as a domestic worker in the low-density suburbs of Gweru, where she was abused and impregnated by her employer. After falling pregnant, she was dismissed from her job and returned home in silence, too ashamed to inform her parents about what had happened.
It was only after she gave birth that her family learned the truth. She faced humiliation for falling pregnant out of wedlock and chose never to reveal the identity of Gift’s biological father. As a result, Gift grew up under the care of his grandparents in Mkoba, Gweru, where his early life was shaped by hardship, discipline, and community values.
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| Amuli enjoying life in Mozambique |
Despite the pain surrounding his birth, Amuli’s upbringing instilled strength and independence, qualities that later defined both his music and personal life.
Education
Gift Amuli began his primary education at Bumburwi Primary School. After completing his early schooling, his uncle invited him to continue his secondary education in Zvishavane, a move that would change his life.
While in Zvishavane, Amuli met Joseph Mutero, who was leading Zvishavane Sounds at the time. Music soon became part of his daily life. During his A-Level studies at Regina Mundi High School, Amuli officially joined the Zig-Zag Band, marking the beginning of his professional relationship with live performance and recording.
Music Career
Amuli’s musical journey started in the 1980s with the Zig-Zag Band before he later joined Zvishavane Sounds under the leadership of Joseph Mutero. The group produced popular Sungura tracks and helped shape the genre in the 1990s, including the hit Mutongi Gava.
At the time, musicians in the band were employed by Shabanie Mine as part of its social responsibility programme. However, in 2001 the arrangement changed, and musicians were required to train in other departments while performing part-time. Amuli trained as an electrician during this period.
In 2002, he launched his first solo project, a five-track album titled Wedangwe, though it did not gain much commercial success. Seeking better opportunities, Amuli later travelled to South Africa in search of greener pastures.
Upon his return to Zimbabwe, he recorded the album Munozvigona Sei, which transformed his career. The project produced Wamatuka, a song that became a national hit and officially placed Gift Amuli on Zimbabwe’s Sungura map.
Traditional Healing Career
In July 2022, Amuli shocked many fans when he announced that he had ventured into traditional healing in Zvishavane. He revealed that most of his clients were illegal gold panners and dealers and that the demand for his services forced him to work both day and night.
He explained that his music career had stalled since 2014, with band members leaving and financial pressures growing. This pushed him to pursue traditional healing full-time as a way of surviving.
However, just a month later, Amuli abandoned the practice. He admitted that the calling was too demanding emotionally and spiritually. He spoke about disturbing dreams from childhood, constant fear, falling sick mysteriously, and feeling separated from his family.
He later sought help from churches, saying he wanted to return to a normal life and rebuild himself both spiritually and personally.
Discography
Wedangwe (2002)
By Ginya (2011)
- Amai veVana
Munozvigona Sei
- Munozvigona Sei
- Wamatuka
- Muhope Ndinewe
Machena
- Nyasha
- Gamuchirai
- Nhai Baba
Yave Munesu – Bhora Mberi (2013)
- Bhora Mberi
- Muchengeti
- Muporofita
- Zvawada
- Ndiwe
- Ndirimuranda
Controversies and Challenges
Maintenance Case
In 2013, Amuli was taken to court by Clara Gutsa over child maintenance after failing to support their two children adequately. He agreed to pay a monthly contribution for their upkeep. After the case, Gutsa publicly complained that Amuli spent large amounts on himself while providing very little for the children.
Abandoning the Band
In 2014, Amuli was accused of abandoning his band to pursue mining activities in Zvishavane. Band members claimed they were underpaid for festive season performances and later discovered that Amuli had left town without resolving payment issues.
Losing His Car
That same year, Amuli lost a vehicle that had been given to him to help revive his music career. The car was reportedly repossessed after Amuli failed to meet agreed conditions related to band management and employment arrangements.
Origins of the Amuli Surname
The Amuli surname carries deep personal meaning in Gift Amuli’s life.
The late Alipende Amuli was his grandfather and the man who raised him. He treated Gift like his own child, so much so that many people referred to Gift as his last-born son. Alipende Amuli became more than a guardian — he became a mentor, a teacher, and a source of identity.
It was under his guidance that Gift first learned to play the guitar, planting the seeds for his future in music. Music runs in the Amuli family, and many relatives are talented guitarists, although most of them later became pastors. Gift chose a different path, keeping music alive in the family legacy.
Although Alipende Amuli was technically a step-grandfather, Gift inherited his surname with pride. The name represents love, sacrifice, and foundation rather than blood alone.
To this day, Gift Amuli honours that legacy, carrying the name forward through music and storytelling, ensuring that the spirit and influence of Alipende Amuli live on forever.
