Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
REFRESHING music is hard to ignore; once it finds its way into your ears, it has the power to soothe the soul.
With the technological revolution making music marketing easier, social media platforms such as Facebook and TikTok have become powerful tools for creatives to showcase and promote their work.
One musician, who is enjoying the benefits of this digital revolution is veteran singer Taruvinga “Sugar Sugar” Manjokota, whose latest offering, “Mudododo”, has caught the attention of top skit-makers Frets Donzvo and Dan Grego, among others, who have turned the song into a viral challenge.
The simple yet well-crafted song, taken from Manjokota’s latest album, “Kusvika Ati Eke”, has set social media abuzz, with scores of people joining the challenge and exploring the meaning behind “Mudododo”.
Produced by Anthony Gasani at Gart Studios in Harare, the song has been praised for its catchy rhythm, simplicity and nostalgic appeal.
According to Manjokota, “Mudododo” refers to something nice and delicious.
In a deeper explanation, he said the nut-like product is derived from the seeds of the mupfura tree.
Frets Donzvo, who is also a talented musician, was among the first content creators to post a video using the song, and his contribution helped propel the challenge into the limelight.
He was followed by Dan Grego, real name Gracious Mangei, who also endorsed the song as a successful production. “To be honest, I fell in love with the song, and when I realised that it was a catchy hit that had been turned into a challenge, I had to join in and enjoy it with others,” he said.
“I couldn’t be left out of this challenge, especially when we are also promoting a fellow brother.
“I haven’t met him in person, but the guy is super-talented, to say the least.
“He has proved that simplicity can make good art, and I am now one of his fans.”
Dan Grego said it was high time creatives appreciated and supported each other for the growth of the sector. “In the past, the only way artists could promote each other was through collaborations in the studio, but now we can still uplift each other through TikTok challenges and help each other.
“In my case, I don’t seize every opportunity to promote fellow trending artists because my name will also be heard.
“I just love anything that is good, and Mukoma Sugar Sugar nailed it without fear or favour,” he said.
As many continue to salute Manjokata for his massive comeback, United Kingdom-based music producer and events management guru Lazarus Tichaona Chapo, popularly known as Lazzie T, also praised the man behind the song’s production.
“Well done mukoma Antony Gasani pana Mudododo ya Sugar Sugar makabata basa.
“Legendary producer kubva kare. Kune vasingazive, ndivo vakamboridza naPastor Charamba kare vachiridza magitare pama-albums avo munguva yekuGramma.
“Ava vanhu vakuru pabasa. Chimbokanda maLove nemaLikes kuna producer muhombe. Mudododo wenyu mukuru,” he said in a social media post.
Fellow musicians, including Mark Ngwazi, bloggers and even academics, have also been blown away by the “Mudododo” challenge.
Some have already declared the song a strong contender for the festive season, while others have likened it to Bio DT Mudimba’s timeless classic “Kujata Jata”, which became a favourite among merry-makers several years ago. However, some believe the song is only beginning to gain momentum, with content creators continuing to embrace it and endorse “Mudododo” as a potential masterpiece.
