adminProblem Masau Arts Correspondent
The Tongai Moyo Commemoration Gig has grown by the year and the upcoming edition is no exception as organisers are not leaving any stone unturned to make it a success. This year’s edition will be bigger as it will incorporate artistes from Zimbabwe, South Africa and Botswana, a first for the commemorations.
Motswana singer Slizer and South African veteran musician Freddie Gwala will join an array of Zimbabwean singers among them Alick Macheso, Suluman Chimbetu, Jah Prayzah and Peter Moyo for the gig slated for Harare Gardens on Sunday.
Biggie Chinoperekwei, the show promoter, said everything was going according to plan and the gig would be much bigger.
“There was an overwhelming response from many artistes who wanted to be part of the bash. As you know Tongai Moyo was one of the heavyweights in the entertainment industry and many musicians feel honoured to take part in his commemoration,” he said.
It is, however, interesting how the “Young Igwe” will reunite with the former Utakataka members Shiga Shiga and Spencer Khumulani.
His manager, Suko Ndlovu, confirmed the development saying the inclusion of the two in the commemoration bash will afford fans an opportunity to relive memories of yesteryear when the duo were still part of the late Tonga’s entourage.
Given his stature and prominence, Macheso is undoubtedly the biggest drawcard at the gig. Affectionately known as “Extrabasso”, the “Charakupa” singer is likely to delight his fans with his latest dance called “Kochekera”.
Like wine, the musician seems to be maturing with age and each time he goes on stage, he always springs a surprise, but probably his greatest asset is his ability to strum his guitar with almost any part of his body.
Tongai, who succumbed to cancer on October 15, 2011 was a larger than life character. During his formative years most people dismissed him as a copycat of the legendary Leonard Dembo.
However, the perceptions changed when he released “Samanyemba”, an album which featured the hit “Murozvi Mukuru”.
He then became one of the most consistent and talented musicians in sungura, churning out chart-topping albums. When Dhewa was diagnosed with cancer, he continued performing as well as releasing albums despite being in obvious pain.
He even declared that he was not a charity case, when some musicians wanted to stage a benefit concert on his behalf. He later made a U-turn in a dance called “Mandiregera”, where he implored fans and colleagues to assist him.
The commemorative gig comes at a time when his heir, the “Young Igwe”, is on a roll following the release in July of his debut album “Mushonga Mukuru”.
Online Reporter