adminTrust Khosa, Content Coordinator
FIRST Farai reckons he has no option but to release his 20th album following an outcry from fans.
To date, sungura heavyweights like Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria, Alick Macheso, Romeo Gasa, Mark Ngwazi and Simon Mutambi boast of new albums on the market.
Fellow sungura giants – Leonard Zhakata and Gift Amuli – are also set to release their albums before the end of the year.
With the majority of sungura artists of his calibre, enjoying rave reviews on local radio stations and pubs, Farai conceded that he was missing among the big boys’ table.
As such, the 45-year-old, who has been in the game for over two decades, will unveil his album on October 26, ending months of speculation.
COMPETITION
He, however, conceded he was not in competition with anyone since he believes in himself.
“I have realised that I am the only high profile figure without a new album on the market as compared to my fellow counterparts in sungura.
“As people know me, I make sure I release quality music, when all is in place, and the right time has come.
“I don’t compete with anyone but rather I believe in myself,” said the energetic performer.
The Hurudza Express frontman said he had no problems with people believing in competition.
“I don’t have a problem with those who want to compete but I believe I am unique on my own.
“God gave me this talent for a reason and I will not try to be pompous because fans are the one who can make or break an artist.
“It’s quite funny nowadays when some artists try to court controversy for nothing when artists are the best judges on earth to endorse our talents,” he said.
DELAY EXPLAINED
The burly singer said he delayed releasing his album due to professional reasons.
“I wanted to launch my album on 10 September which is my birthday but I will only do so on October 26.
“I couldn’t launch it on 10 September because I was invited by Romeo Gasa to his album launch held on my birthday and I had to cancel mine.
“I will now have an executive launch on October 26 at Bar Rouge, a special venue, which has become popular with high-profile events.
“I couldn’t launch it on September 10 for professional reasons.
“By the way, Gasa used to be my doorman in Chinhoyi and I had to respect his wish to attend his launch on my birthday,” he said.
UNITY
First Farai hailed the sungura artists for their unity and solidarity exhibited in recent shows.
“In sungura, there is a lot of unity nowadays as compared to the past when people believed in unnecessary bickering for publicity stunts.
“In my case, I relate well with others and this has been my biggest strength.
“For instance, I have invited fellow artists like Nicholas Zakaria, Alick Macheso, Peter Moyo, Tendai Dembo, Progress Chipfumo, Mark Ngwazi, among others,” he said.
HEALTH SCARE
The singer, who recovered from abdominal pains, said he was grateful to the help he was receiving from Dr Johannes Marisa and Lloyd “Madzibaba Moses” Gwasarira.
“I’m glad I have just recorded this album at a time when my health was failing me but Dr Marisa, who is set to grace the album launch, treated me for free.
“Then, there is also Madzibaba Moses who met the studio expenses after realising that I was struggling to make ends meet after the lockdown.
“He advised me to record my 20th album after he felt I was missing among the big boys.
“I’m glad that I am back in the picture and I won’t disappoint my bosses who still have faith in my music,” he said.
CONSISTENCY
A product of the Music Crossroads, the singer has been recording constantly, which saw him earning the moniker “Prince of Sungura” during Tongai Moyo’s era.
Largely inspired by Tongai Moyo, and the late Leonard Dembo, the singer reckons he deserves to be honoured as one of the best artists on the land.
“I have nothing to prove over the years that I have been in the game and my real fans know that pretty well.
“At 45, I’m grateful to the Lord who has been there for me,” he said.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter