Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
LEGENDARY Kasongo Band leader has resurfaced after 25 years to finish the race.
Livson Kunenyati, 66, the Handishaye naRutsoka hitmaker has started to reassemble a new band under a new name, Muzokomba Movers, which has six members.
Known by the stage name Knowledge Kunenyati, during his stint with the late former Kasongo Band leader Ketai Muchawaya, he told H-Metro that the drug and substance abuse firestorm has forced him back on stage.
“I started music in 1986 under Mukoma Ketai Muchawaya as a backing vocalist and ended up leading the Kasongo Band when he moved out,” said Kunenyati.
“We released a number of songs that included Kana Uchidakuguta, Kuguta Kushanda, Kuwirirana Pamabasa, among others, with the intention of encouraging peace, hard work and building our nation.
“The focus was more on giving hope and strengthening people rather than money.
“We failed to make money but we gained a lot of fame in music, ndakakudza nekufundisa vana vangu nemagitare.
“I shelved my music instruments following the death of other band members.”
He added:
“All the band members had been glorified to heavenly places and that touched me a lot.
“One of the musicians, Kiren Zulu, visited me, we shared the memories and came to understand that drugs and substance abuse is killing our talented artists, as well as the nation.
“I decided to return to the industry last year, penned a song ‘Mubairo Wegoho’ and released it in November.
“We are working on a project targeting an awareness campaign against drugs and substance abuse.
“The song will feature a number of the living legendary musicians. I believe that music is within my veins and I wish to return to the stage and do what I know best.
“I no longer have instruments, it is my plea for help so as to do what I know best for myself and my country.
“Ndofawo here ndisina kudya nekufara nemudzimai wangu nezvabva pamagitare atakakura nawo, ndibatsireiwo vehama.
“Vamwe vaifunga kuti ndakafa, ndiriko kuChitungwiza uku nemudzimai wangu Christine.”
Mathew Masinge