Trust Khosa
MUSICIAN First Farai says the late sungura star Tongai “Dhewa” Moyo continues to appear in his dreams, offering him guidance and advice – 15 years after his death.
The Utakataka Express founder succumbed to cancer in 2011, leaving behind a rich musical legacy that continues to inspire musicians and entertain fans across generations.
For First Farai, who leads Hurudza Express Band, Dhewa was more than a musical mentor.
He was a loving brother, a source of inspiration and a guiding light who helped shape his career in the music industry.
“Dhewa still appears in my dreams, giving me directions and advice as a musician because he was my mentor,” the Hurudza Express Band leader told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
“When we entered the music fraternity, Dhewa was already miles ahead of us. He was a loving brother who embraced those of us who were still learning the ropes.
“I learnt most of my musical styles from him because I knew I was in safe hands. I could call or visit him at any time because of the bond we had developed as musicians.
“Dhewa saw a lot of potential in me. He was a loving brother who believed in perfection, both in the studio and on stage.”
The burly singer, who now sits on the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association board, said he also learnt valuable leadership qualities from Dhewa.
“Dhewa used to lead many people at Utakataka Express and he was also a community leader in his home area of Sesombe, which he regularly visited whenever he was not performing at shows.
“This made him one of the most adored stars, and his death shook the music fraternity and his legion of fans. “I might not be perfect but wherever I am, I make sure that I transform lives and contribute towards making the world a better place.
“I always engage other musicians so that we can share ideas and find ways of moving forward.”
He added:
“Tongai Moyo was a man of peace who served the industry diligently. I will always do my best to ensure that his family remains united, even though he is no longer with us.
“I am relieved when I see his children united, as they are doing now, because Dhewa always put his children first, like any responsible father.
“When it came to music, he always delivered to perfection, and this made him a darling of many.”
First Farai said Dhewa was a class apart.
“When it came to choreography, Dhewa treated the stage like a CEO’s office, where serious business was conducted at all times.
“I was blessed to learn from the best, and I will forever cherish that experience. In fact, it was Dhewa who gave me the confidence to pursue sungura music, although I once experimented with other genres.”
Musically, Dhewa left behind an impressive catalogue of albums that continue to define his contribution to Zimbabwean sungura music.
His releases include Vimbo (1996), Vise, Naku (1999), Moyo Wekurera (1999), Chirangano (2001), Samanyemba (2002), Dhewa Hits (2002), Dhewa’s Love Songs (2002), Chingwa (2003), Pakanaka Dhewa (2004), Naye (2005), Mudzimu Weshiri (2005), Mano (2006), Pinda Panyanga (2007), Muridzi Wenyaya (2008), Dhewa’s Love Songs (1997–2008) (2009) and Toita Basa (2010).
