malvernmugadzikwa
Society Reporter
ZIMDANCEHALL chanter Hwindi President (born Bessel Parehwa), who was recently in the news for taking up piece jobs as a commuter omnibus driver to supplement his “meagre earnings”, insists he gets enough to sustain himself and his family.
He, however, indicated that he occasionally drives commuter omnibuses “out of respect” for a profession that shaped his career.
“For the record, I was once a tout, a commuter omnibus conductor and driver.
“This is why I call myself Hwindi President,” he said.
“During my spare time, I sometimes drive a commuter omnibus.
“I do this, not for the love of the money, but out of respect for an industry that gave me the platform to become who I am today.”
The proceeds from music, he added, were decent.
“So, when people see me driving a commuter omnibus or even washing cars, they must know that I am not doing this for money. I have enough money to sustain my family.”
Hwindi President still hangs around with his childhood friends in Zengeza, Chitungwiza.
“I bought cars and a number of residential stands elsewhere, but Zengeza is the place that one can always find
me.
“I cannot simply walk away from my boyhood friends because of fame,” said the “Ndakusuwa” hitmaker.
But the musician believes some celebrities are living “fake lives”.
“Some people believe whenever they make money, the first thing they must do is to leave the ghetto. That is wrong!”
In one of his songs, “Handikanganwe Kwandakabva”, the musician encourages people to always remember where they came from.
Chitungwiza is home to many established musicians, among them Nicholas Zacharia, Alick Macheso, Saintfloew, Lady Squanda, Voltz JT and Hwinza.
The majority of these musicians regularly perform in the dormitory town as a way of showing appreciation.
The Zimdancehall singer said he gets inspiration from veterans like Zacharia and Macheso, who always put Chitungwiza in the limelight.
Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter