adminnon-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer of the blood, which was diagnosed in 2008.
His son, Peter, immediately took over after the death of his father.
Although the mammoth task that Tongai left behind called for tenacity, the young man has not disappointed.
He has held this head high despite the several calamities — among them desertion by members of Utakataka Express that threatened to tear the band apart.
On Sunday, October 14, the 23-year-old crooner will lead two of Zimbabwe’s well-known musicians Alick Macheso and Progress Chipfumo and thousands of fans to celebrate his father’s life at Mbizo Stadium.
The afternoon event will, however, be preceded by a private family event in Sesombe, where Peter, his siblings and relatives will lay wreaths on Samanyemba’s grave.
In a telephone interview, Peter said the main commemoration would be the bash at the Mbizo Stadium, to afford the late musician’s legions of fans to join the family in celebrating the late sungura icon’s life.
“A number of commemoration events will be held across the country. However, we felt the Mbizo gig will be a befitting commemoration, particularly for most of his (Tongai) fans who may not be able to take part in other events that will be held across the country,” he said
From the time he ventured into music, the late musician endeared himself to fans through his popular sungura sound, which people at one time mistook as the late Leonard Dembo’s beat.
Beginning his career in 1988, Dhewa gained his musical education in his hometown, eventually joining Shirichena Jazz Band as a session musician.
He assisted the band in releasing two albums — “Ndoita Zvangu Ndoga” (1991), “Wandibhowa” (1992) — and a single.
Moyo continued his band hopping, playing in other Kwekwe acts such as Shirinhema, before deciding to form his own outfit.
That decision gave birth to Utakataka Express, and in 1996 he released his first solo album, “Vimbo”, which according to the late musician sold over 100 000 copies.
More albums were to follow and by then, the late musician had grown his clientele and was now able to perform alongside Macheso, who then was one of the big names in local music.
However, in 2001, a hit wave of misfortune threatened to ruin Tongai’s career, when his original band dismantled after an accident where the instruments were lost.
Spurred by his passion for music, Tongai assembled a new version Utakataka Band and released his seventh album, “Samanyemba”, which probably changed his fortunes and gave him a solid profile in the music sector.
Tongai was a spirited performer who loved to add a touch of glamour to his life on and off the stage.
Those in the know will attest that his dressing on and off the stage matched not only his affability, but also his determination to maintain a high degree of excellence in everything he did.
So determined was he to leave a trail of success and make a retirement plan for himself and his family, that he stretched his business tentacles and launched a clothing brand, that sadly never reached its zenith after his condition worsened.
An affable musician, who was never shy to speak his mind, Tongai had a string of hits among his discography, which consisted of 15 albums.
Online Reporter