For context, a definition of Magate. Artist Enzo Ishall released a dance song titled Magate. The song sounds like a conversation between a prophet and a troubled woman who is possessed by a twerking spirit. The contents of the song are almost clear except the Magate part.
Friends who don't speak Shona and others who do have been struggling to get the actual meaning of Magate. In Zimbabwe there is an indigenous apostolic sect known as Johanne Masowe Yengu Tsvuku. They are an African spiritual sect which lives detached from the world's conventions.
Most of them live in shacks in a squatter like manner. They are found in Epworth, Kuwadzana, near Mbudzi Roundabout and other places with open areas fit for makeshift dwellings. They are unkempt, some of them walk barefoot and keep dreadlocks.
Among the apostolic sect Jobanne Masowe Yenguwo Tsvuku is feared because they are said to be able to summon bad angels. Which mean they can be consulted when one has intent to harm a relative or friend who may have crossed their path. As a result the sect is isolated.
They have a shrine system. For consultations you go to the shrine and they perform invocations usually characterized by prayer in incomprehensible languages, almost like pentecostal tongues, but the tone is a bit harsh.
They exorcise demons, sending them to regions without water and life. This is where the Magate element comes in. The cleansing process involves being poured copious amounts of water. The vessels in which the water is stored in are called Magate.
Gate (pronounced gar-teh) is a large clay pot and the sect adopted these to be their vessels for their holy water during cleansing ceremonies. The sessions are usually done in the morning when its chilly to shock out evil spirits.
If the spirit is stubborn the body carrying it can endure twenty to thirty full claypots, they won't stop until it accepts defeat and leaves. When Enzo said "50,60 Magate, 60 zvikaramba 70 (pr)" the idea was to say, the lady in question has immense twerking talent (or a spirit.)
His metaphor was rooted in a concept known to work. In real life Magate are believed to be effective to the extent that getting to ten is rarely necessary. So the numbers he picked were appreciating how generously talented the lady is when it comes to gyrating.
One Gate is plus or minus 25 litres. So one can imagine the strength of a demon that needs a dose of 70 to be exorcised. I once interviewed a prophet who said if you get to 20, you may need a few days of bed rest. Enzo's song was an allegory rooted in a deeper religious culture.
It is impressive when artists bring to the fore social practises which usually would not be part of the mainstream discourse through their work. Zim dancehall soon will be a subject of scholarly probing if they continue diversifying their content, Enzo's Magate is a good example.
