Online Reporter
Trust Khosa,
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
MARK Ngwazi’s long-serving guitarist and manager, Obert “Father Ten” Mangani, who has joined Chief Hwenje’s camp, believes the move will revitalise his career.
He says he needed a space where his abilities and potential were fully appreciated.
He insists there was no bad blood between him and Ngwazi.
Mangani, who performed at the recently concluded Heroes and Defence Show held in Hwedza alongside the “Mai Welly” hit-maker, was in high spirits.
His new employer was the first to announce Mangani’s new role within his camp.“He is now part of our crew and he can provide you with more details about our vision,” Hwenje said.
“I sat down with him and I liked his work ethic and vision, which he has demonstrated to us.
“He is a fine young man who has always enjoyed what he does and one could only dislike him out of hate or for reasons we don’t know.”
Hwenje said his camp has been strengthened. It was previously dominated by session musicians.
“Mangani is here to stay and we hope he will enjoy his move as we want to build a strong band.
“What we want now is to hold a series of shows alongside Mangani nationwide. We don’t only perform at national events, we can play anywhere, whether at parties or weddings.”
Mangani said:
“My separation from Mark Ngwazi is now in the public domain but, for now, I can safely say I have joined Chief Hwenje’s camp as a manager and guitarist.
“I can’t dwell on the past but it may appear like that I am a bitter man after leaving him, however, we always think ahead.
“Here at Chief Hwenje, I am not on holiday, I have come to change the mindset of many Zimbabweans who only think he is good at jingles and can only perform at national events.
“If you go through his catalogue, Chief Hwenje has plenty of non-political songs that suit other occasions besides political rallies.”
He added: “Chief Hwenje is a creative genius, composer, and performer who enjoys his job. “I am determined to use my influence to show the people of Zimbabwe the other side of him that many should know and cherish.
“He has made his political affiliation clear but, as an artist, you simply need to be realistic and understand the other side of him.
“We have secured radio and television interviews for the launch of the new album called ‘Chiedza Chasemere’ this month-end. It will first be launched on Radio Zimbabwe and National FM.
“A week into September, it will also be launched on Star FM before we embark on a countrywide tour to sample the new album. We are ready to rumble and show the world what we are made of.”
