Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
VETERAN wordsmith, Hosiah Chipanga, is not a happy man.
He feels neglected.
He feels isolated.
For a veteran artiste, whose career spans three decades, the gifted dancer and songwriter believes he deserves better treatment especially from radio stations which he feels have shunned him and his music despite being ‘politically correct’.
He has over 40 years of experience in the music industry.
He has hinted that his forthcoming and yet-to-be-christened album, may be his last album.
He is now a full time farmer in Watsomba, despite having a hectic 2025 where he raised the curtain for sungura muso, Alick Macheso among other artistes.
He also managed to hold his own shows where he took many by surprise because of his signature dances despite his age.
He will turn 74-years-old this year.
“The new project will be out sometime this year. I, however, don’t know where I am getting it all wrong. I have tried being a professional and consistent artiste, but sometime I feel so neglected. Radio stations are now shunning me and my music. I don’t remember the last time I heard my song being aired. People may argue that I sing political songs, but, no, I don’t. I am pro-development and I am excited to be living around this period where I am seeing the country, particularly Manicaland growing in leaps and bounds especially infrastructural development. I feel I deserve some respect, let alone my music. I would honestly be interested to know why all radio stations are no longer playing my music. I, however, like to thank promoters who still have faith in my music and inviting me to perform at commercial shows. I have never disappointed, and I believe this will be a great year as I am readying for a new project,” said Chipanga, who, unlike other years where he releases yearly, did not release any project last year.
Asked about his thoughts on his son, Mayne, who is now an active member of his entourage, Vaparidzi Veshoko, Chipanga said: “Mayne is talented. He is learning through the ropes, and I am very proud of him. Watching him grow as a musician, take on responsibilities as a guitarist, producer, and engineer in the band, and bring his own creativity to the table gives me great joy. I see in him the same passion and dedication I had when I started, and I am confident that he has everything it takes to carry the Vaparidzi VeShoko legacy forward. It is a blessing to witness him, not only embrace the music, but also respect the tradition and spirit that the band was built on. I have no doubt that the future of our music is in safe hands with him,” added Chipanga.
It has been such as roller-coaster journey for the award-winning musician who at one time was the most sought-after musician around the mid-2000s, especially after the release of the Chakabaya Chikatyokera and Vapange Chipanga albums.
They were released during the same year.
Chakabaya Chikatyokera contained the anthemic, Kwachu-Kwachu and Vatsigiri Vangu, while Vapange Chipanga carried plug tracks like Zvipfukuto, Ndafungazano and Ivhu Redu Nderipi.
Chipanga has had an illustrious career and at his climax, won a coveted National Arts Merit Award, before he was in 2022 conferred with an honorary PhD in Philosophy from Trinity International Bible University.
