Amuli lambasts prophets in new song

Problem Masau Arts Correspondent
Sungura musician Gift Amuli has criticised the new breed of prophets, who are bent on making money and popularity at the expense of the sick.
In the song, “Maporofita”, off his latest album “Yave Munesu (Bhora Mberi)”, which was lauched at City Sports on Wednesday, the “Wamatuka”, hitmaker said most of the prophets were going abroad to look for zvikwambo for supernatural powers.

In other songs on the album “Zvawada”, “Muchengeti”, “Ndiwe” and “Ndiri Muranda” the soft-spoken spoken musician tackles social issues. Another song “Bhora Mberi”, was taken from a book with the same title penned by writer Dr Collin Tsodzo.

The album is Amuli’s fourth studio project.
Amuli started off with Zig Zag Band back in the 80s, before joining Zvishavane Sounds of the “Mutongi Gava” fame.
The group was fully funded by Shabanie Mine as part of its social responsibilities. Amuli together with other musicians were employed as full-time musicians.

The group was known for releasing hits such as “Ndiri Muranda”, “Chitototo” and “Ruchiva” off their 1995 album “Remekedza Hupenyu” but in 2001, new management came and conditions of work for the musicians changed. This time they had to undergo training in any one of the mine’s departments. It meant that they were going to be part-time musicians and full-time workers. Amuli trained as an electrician.
Amuli then decided to venture on a solo project with the backing of the members of the group using mine equipment. The project, a five-track album titled “Wedangwe”, did not do well.

The musician left the mine the following year and went to South Africa in search of greener pastures and when he came back he produced a new album titled “Munozvigona Sei”, which was well received by the public.

The album put him on the map with the title track “Wamatuka”, which proved to be a hit. His other album, “Machena”, was also an instant hit with songs as “Nyasha”, “Gamuchirai” and “Nhai Baba” topping music charts for many weeks.

It remains to be seen if this latest offering will be well received.