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Godwin Muzari Entertainment Editor
MUNYA MATARUSE’S album launch at Jazz 105 on Tuesday night was eventful. It was a night of drama and surprises with Alick Macheso as the main actor. A newcomer would have mistaken Macheso for a comedian as the sungura musician pulled a string of comic acts. His entry into the venue ignited wild cheers from the audience.
Macheso, who was accompanied by his wife Nyadzisai, reciprocated with many energetic bows. He then went to kneel before Oliver Mtukudzi and his wife Daisy as a sign of humbling himself before the music superstar.
The greetings were exaggerated. People initially marvelled at Macheso’s humility but the whole auditorium broke into laughter after realising the musician had taken the salutation beyond formality. Nyadzisai was visibly uncomfortable with her husband’s antics. But she had no option. She had to wait for her celeb to exhaust his act before they went to their seat.
Macheso ushered his wife to her seat with a lovely gesture and all the discomfort immediately faded from Nyadzisai’s face. She smiled and sat down. The crowd applauded.
After a few songs from Mataruse who was on stage, it was time to introduce the guest of honour. Many people had anticipated Mtukudzi or Elvas Mari from the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe to be called on stage for the slot but the organisers had a surprise for music fans.
It has become the norm at most album launches that the most high-ranked arts practitioner at the event officially launches an album.
It was different at Munya’s function. Daisy was the guest of honour. She stood and went for the stage.
When she seemed to struggle with the steps up the stage, Mtukudzi rushed and assisted her (He also assisted her get off the stage). People loved it. Daisy gave a brief background about Munya’s life at Pakare Paye Arts Centre. She also spoke as a mother and counselled Munya.
In her speech, she also threw some comic lines.
“Some time ago people used to shun musicians saying they did not have direction in life. Just look at me and Mai Macheso. Do we look like we are wives of directionless people? We are living well as wives of musicians,” she said to the delight of the crowd.
She gave Munya advice against taking drugs and alcohol in order to be a professional artiste. Macheso waved and shouted in support of the advice.
Daisy officially unveiled the album “Pashangara” and it was time for auction and more action. Master of ceremonies Ronald “D-Train” Chiwanza offered a take-off price of US$10. Bidders competed until one man in the crowd, Wilson Pirima, ran the game by himself.
He hiked the price from US$300 to US$1 000. He was called on stage and people cheered. When people demanded he buys the CD in cash, the man hit at the crowd.
“What is your problem? I am the one buying the CD and you want to push me. You are going to be ashamed when I pay the cash,” Pirima shouted.
He then called for someone to bring the cash from the car. No one came and he was told to get off the stage.
He promised to pay later and D-Train said he would release the CD upon payment. Pirima immediately left the venue. When Herald Entertainment made a follow-up on the issue yesterday afternoon, the payment was still to be made. Then it was time for Munya to call other musicians on stage. He started with Macheso and they danced together. Macheso sang some lines and seemed determined to stay longer on stage until Munya had to say “thank you”. Macheso got off the stage in a slow funny move.
Jah Prayzah and Oliver Mtukudzi also joined Munya on stage. After the stage formalities, musicians took to the dance floor.
Macheso and Mtukudzi displayed some exciting dancehall dances when the group Tsvete was on stage.
Other musicians that graced the occasion were Ammara Brown, Bob Nyabinde, Tryson Chimbetu, Ba Shupi and Sulumani Chimbetu.
They all came to celebrate Munya’s new baby.
The album carries 14 tracks including “Vatete”, “Kalife”, “Changamire” and “Yevamwe”.
Online Reporter