Simon Chimbetu (1955–2005) was a prominent Zimbabwean musician, vocalist, and composer, best known as the founder of his band, The Orchestra Dendera Kings, and for pioneering the Dendera music genre, a variation of Sungura which he is credited with developing. Known by nicknames such as "Chopper" and "Mr. Viscose," his musical career first took off in the 1980s with his brother Naison in the band The Marxist Brothers, producing a string of hits before the group dissolved in the mid-90s. Simon then achieved major stardom as a solo artist with albums like Survival and Lullaby. His music was characterized by a distinct sound featuring a heavy bass guitar to emulate the ground hornbill (dendera) bird, repetitive guitar riffs, and prominent guitar solos, often focusing on contemporary social and political topics and the plight of the working class. Chimbetu's career was also marked by controversy; he was incarcerated for four years at the height of his popularity and was a vocal supporter of the land reform program. Despite these challenges, he was able to reclaim his position in the music scene after his release with the hit album Pachipamwe. Simon Chimbetu was born in the Musengezi area and attended local schools before moving to Harare to find work, later using his experiences, including an alleged involvement with the liberation struggle, as material for his politically conscious music. His musical legacy lives on through his son, Sulumani, who continues to perform the Dendera music style.