Online Reporter
Trust Khosa and Maria Chiguvari
MARK Ngwazi has fuelled speculation that he chickened out of launching his eighth album on August 1 in the wake of the birth of the Cheso Power Festival.
The festival, which celebrates Alick Macheso’s major milestones in music, has been set for July 31 at Alexandra Sports Club in Harare.
Ngwazi only announced the album launch date but not the venue.
This has further fuelled speculation that he had set his sights on launching it in Harare.
However, in just a few hours, he announced the album launch date but did not mention the venue.
The two events, which were due to be held hours apart, are known for attracting the same breed of fans.
Contacted for comment, Ngwazi said he has left the matter in the hands of his management.
“At the moment, I am busy with one of my projects in Dema and management, once the decision has been passed, will update you,” he said.
Ngwazi was evasive when asked why they had only provided the date for the album launch without the venue.
“Again, on that one, my management can clarify the correct position.”
Last week, he gave a strong hint that a gala had been set at a venue where he had planned to launch his album, but he did not mention the name.
“Aizve! ko ndiri kunzwa kuti maku ronga Gala renyu musi wa31 July pa samevenue yatiri kuda kuitira album launch the following day?
“Zvinhu zvacho so kaa. Mwari vachazongoita sekuda kwavo,” Ngwazi wrote on his Facebook page.
One of his followers, Bango Kuora, said:
“Failing to acknowledge kuti Macheso is the King is your biggest problem, you can never fit in his shoes, he is the best, let your supporters stand with you in these trying times.”
Another fan, Mgcini Em-jay Moyo, said:
“It is well, you’re wiser and chose to be the bigger person koz ivo vanenge vachitozviitira hondo havo, bhazi_kuvanhu!”
Another fan, Jorum Sibanda, was blunt:
“Wanga uchiti tokanganwa here kuti ndoyawakatitamba last time Ngwazi ukati chinjisa date zvarwadzaka nhasi iwe mwana wamai Sisiriya ita mushe iwe.”
The inaugural Cheso Power Festival, featuring South African star Makhadzi, appears to have unsettled Ngwazi’s team.
Earlier yesterday, in a statement, Ngwazi said:
“To all my valued fans, promoters, partners, and the entire Sungura fraternity, I would like to take this moment to sincerely thank you for the unwavering support you have shown me throughout my musical journey.
“Your love and loyalty continue to inspire me every day.
“It was my intention to release my upcoming album titled ‘Bhazi Haritsiki Ari Mugomo’ on the 1st of August.
“However, after careful consideration of recent developments within the industry, I have made the difficult decision to postpone the album launch to a later date, which will be announced in due course.
“This decision has not been made lightly. As an artist, who deeply respects the Sungura genre and everyone who contributes to its growth, I believe it is important to prioritise unity, peace, and mutual respect among both musicians and fans.
“Releasing the album at this time may unintentionally create unnecessary tension, and that is something I wish to avoid.
“I am choosing to postpone the release for the sake of peace and harmony within the Sungura community. Our music is meant to bring people together, not divide them.”
