Andrew
Society Reporter
MUKOMA PANGA’s single titled “Sadza Nemhiripiri” has proved to be one of the best songs of the year, if weekly radio music charts votes are anything to go by.
The track was released at the beginning of this year, with the video coming in June. Since its release, “Sadza Nemhiripiri” has fast climbed the ladder to occupy top spots. What makes Mukoma Panga’s achievements exceptional is the fact that he is not a full-time musician.
But the corporate lawyer-cum-singer’s releases are giving the veterans of the trade solid competition.
For the greater part of the year, “Sadza Nemhiripiri” has been alternating for the top spot with Alick Macheso’s “Makazvinzwepi”, Simon Mutambi’s “Zvinamatire” and Mark Ngwazi’s “Nyaradzo Yababa”.
“I do love music but have pressing commitments elsewhere. I consider being in the studio a pastime but I take my music seriously. I have created a lot of fans with the few songs that I have dropped on the market. In a way, this is pushing me to keep on releasing fresh tracks,” said Mukoma Panga in an interview with The Sunday Mail Society.
In 2019, the sungura singer dropped “Mbuva yeHwiza”, which carried the song “Panganayi”.
The track ended that year in the number three slot of the popular end-of-year Radio Zimbabwe Coca-Cola Top 50.
He later on released two singles – “Chibhakera” (2020) and “Uri Wangu” (2021), featuring renowned gospel singer Agartha Murudzwa.
He went on to unleash an album “Pfimbi Yegudo” (2021).
Two of his other songs also occupied top slots on the end-of-year music charts competitions on Radio Zimbabwe and National FM.
That is not all.
The musician, who is also a promoter, was nominated for Best Newcomer in the National Arts Merit Awards (Nama) and Best Sungura at the Zimbabwe Music Awards (Zima) in 2019.
“I usually record the songs during my spare time. For instance, I capitalise on the festive season break to go into the studio. When others go for Christmas, I will be busy recording new tracks,” said Mukoma Panga, born Panganayi Hare.
“Sadza Nemhiripiri” has captured the attention of many due to the unique approach that Mukoma Panga employed.
Recorded, mixed and mastered at Truetone Studios, the song is a fascinating blend of three genres, namely, sungura, rhumba and Zimdancehall.
Mukoma Panga took charge of the sungura notes while gifted yet underrated chanter Dispatch was in control of the rhumba lines.
Beezman, also known as Chipoko ChaSauro, delivers the final punch with his Zimdancehall touch, which resembles the late Soul Jah Love’s work.
“Sadza Nemhiripiri” has a powerful message that is delivered through metaphor.
“Wandipa sadza nemhiripiri, ndazvidya zvese nemunyemba. Ndakananga mhiri kwaGumbwe wanike kune tumatemba . . .,” sings Mukoma Panga.
The track encourages people to persevere when they face challenges in life.
According to the song, challenges are a part of life and require people to be creative and vigilant to emerge victors. The singer equates mhiripiri (chilli) to challenges, and sadza to an objective or destiny.
Mukoma Panga reminds us that it is only the Almighty who has the power to heal or open paths to success.
“I take time composing my songs. The message has to address issues that people resonate with. However, I have noticed that there are some people who follow my music without understanding the message.
“This is the case with ‘Sadza Nemhiripiri’. Some people just love the unique beat, which is still okay. We all love different things when it comes to music,” said Mukoma Panga.
“I always try to experiment with the beat so that our music does not become monotonous.”
The musician said he is currently engaged in a new project with the working title “Pahushamwari Hwedu”.
“I have already covered a lot of ground with regard to the forthcoming album. It will be a collaborative effort. The album will feature several artistes whom I have worked with over the years. ‘Sadza Nemhiripiri’ was a way of testing the market, and the feedback has been positive, hence our decision to go all out,” said Mukoma Panga.
Meanwhile, the multi-talented artiste urged the public to be cautious throughout the festive season.
“This is a time when families unite and celebrate but I urge motorists to be careful on the roads. Most of the deaths we are witnessing these days are as a result of road accidents. It is important that we do not drink and drive. Let us observe all road regulations.”
Online Reporter