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death: every reunion a hint of the resurrection.”
Could this be the case with Daiton and Josphat Somanje, the two querulous brothers, who drifted apart, but are now struggling to pick up the pieces of their disrupted careers?
Daiton and Josphat are holding their third show together at Joy Centre – trading as Museyamwa Night Club – in Machipisa tomorrow night.
Could this be the end of a five-year feud that was so intense they had vowed never to see eye to eye again?
They first played together at City Sports Bar last October, before sharing the stage again at the 21st February Movement Gala held at the National Sports stadium
The vastly talented musicians seem to be joining hands at shows merely for the sake of maximising on gate takings.
They say their differences are far from over.
In an interview with The Herald yesterday Josphat ruled out a serious reunion. He said the fact that they were playing together did not mean they would disband their separate bands to revive Pengaudzoke.
“I have my own band and Daiton has his own. Let’s not talk about any reunion for now.
“It’s not the first time that we have played together. It’s good for us.” He would not elaborate.
This was supported by Daiton, who said for now they would only focus on the shows.
“Izvi zvatiri kuita ndezvebasa, zvekumba tichazozviona, (This is purely business. We will sort out personal matters later),” he said.
But it seems to have dawned on the two that they can make more money playing together than going solo.
Show organiser Diva Mudzudzu said the Somanjes were a crowd-puller together, something they were failing to capitalise on.
“They are good together and they know it. But it has proved difficult to bring them together and solve their differences. Their fans are probably waiting for the ‘resurrection’ of Pengaudzoke.”
As Pengaudzoke, they were Marondera’s musical icons and were rated among the most sought-after sungura musicians in the country.
Despite their growing popularity, the centre could not hold.
They split in 2005. They traded accusations of witchcraft.
At one time, they refused to share a stage, plunging a show into disarray. The promoter had to cancel it.
What followed then was the feud.
Several efforts were made to reconcile them. At one time, sungura “King” Alick Macheso tried to bring them together, but his efforts came to nothing.
But people are speculating that the two may finally bury the hatchet and revive the group Pengaudzoke. The lure of the gate-takings seems to be irresistible.
Online Reporter