Online Reporter
Trust Khosa,
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
ANDY Muridzo has conceded that he has been RECKLESS on social media and will now approach it with a little bit of caution.
This comes in the wake of a controversial post where he jokingly announced his retirement from music.
This was prior to the release of his upcoming album, “Chakanyuka,” scheduled for next month.
The announcement sparked significant backlash from his fans, many of whom pointed out that the stunt was misguided.
Some urged him to concentrate on his career.
Others encouraged him to reconsider his “poor” decision.
“To be honest, the announcement I made on social media turned out to be a premature prank.
“Many people, including some of my harshest critics, did not take my quitting vow (as a prank), so I had to retract my statement.
“I faced backlash from my fans and the criticism on social media was overwhelming, especially from those who missed my posts and were still angry with me.
“I had to sit down with my team and reassure my fans that it was just a prank.
“I’ve learnt never to play with my fans’ feelings.
“Following the social media backlash, Muridzo said he was now focusing on more important matters, such as the upcoming national events.
“Honestly, I have decided to concentrate on significant issues after that social media incident. I had fans as far away as Hwedza, Kadoma, and Chiredzi being upset with me, and it was quite a situation.
“My advice to fans and other social media users is to take responsibility for our posts and focus on critical matters. In my case, the Heroes Gala is now my top priority.”
Muridzo is one of the major drawcards for this year’s Heroes Music Gala, set for Kujeke Growth Point in Hwedza on August 12.
He will headline the event alongside Mark Ngwazi, Tendai Dembo, Clement Magwaza and Allan Chimbetu.
DJ Fantan, along with his Chillspot Family, including DJ Levels and DJ Ribhe, will also be part of the line-up. Nduge Yut, whose collaboration with Chillspot Family is proving successful, will complement the trio. Jah Master and rising star Nisha Ts will also perform in Hwedza. Reggae enthusiasts can look forward to a performance by Emmanuel “Mannex” Motsi.
Songbird Shantel Sithole, known for her unique blend of Kanindo and comedy, is among the performers. With all these big names in attendance, Muridzo believes his task is more significant than he initially anticipated.
“To be honest, the mission I have in Hwedza is huge and I can’t afford to disappoint my fans.
“What I can assure them is that my act is never predictable, yet engaging and full of energy from start to finish.
“I have mastered the game and I urge fans to show up in numbers so that we can celebrate our heroes together. It’s encouraging that we will be meeting some of our fans in the rural areas who have been longing to see us.”
Turning to his upcoming projects and shows, Muridzo said: “I am releasing my album on August 9, which will be a radio launch.
We will sample nearly all the songs on Friday at The Yard (formerly Bar Rouge) during a gathering dubbed Frozen Fantasy, which fans requested after our prank.
It was organised by the joint manager, Edith Chimanikire, who advises me whenever I stray. “She always keeps me in line and has provided yet another opportunity for me to face my fans and publicly apologise for my social stunts, which I won’t repeat.”
Chimanikire has urged the crooner to focus on his career and avoid drama.
“I have always wished him the best and provided all the counselling he needs whenever he faces hurdles in his life.
‘‘He must concentrate on his career, and we are always here to assist him.
“That’s why we’ve invited him to perform here on Friday at a venue that has given him many of the connections he boasts about.
“We will ensure that his event goes according to plan since it is a pre-release event, which comes before the Heroes holiday celebrations.”
Last year, the Heroes Music Gala took place in Bikita, Masvingo.
National galas have been hosted in remote and humble locations such as Murambinda Growth Point in Buhera, Mt. Darwin, Dotito Growth Point, Nyika Growth Point in Bikita, and Gokwe’s Nembudziya Business Centre.
