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VETERAN musician, Hosiah Chipanga, was this week expected to travel to his new base in Namibia in search of greener pastures in a development that has been received with mixed feelings by fellow musicians and music analysts. Chipanga recently claimed that promoters used and dumped him saying he was living in isolation. Subsequently, the shrewd composer last month moved to his rural home in Mwoyoweshumba, Watsomba to venture into farming to “save his family from wallowing in abject poverty”.
The move to Namibia was seemingly facilitated by a litany of challenges that attacked the Kwachu Kwachu hit-maker in and out of the music fraternity. In 2013, the aging musician saw the local city council disconnecting his water for failing to pay $120 for his dogs’ licence.
He formed a church, MAPIPI which he later attempted in vain to turn into a political party. Chipanga, on Tuesday, could not be drawn into commenting on the latest development.
He refused to entertain The Weekender despite incessant efforts to call him on his Econet number. “Yes, I am leaving, but right now I can’t say much. I am busy and cannot talk to you. Call me later,” he said before hanging up.
He could not pick up his phone till The Weekender went to bed. Local musicians, however, described Chipanga’s migration to Namibia as a blow to the local music industry.
“I heard that he is going there (Namibia) to pursue music endeavours. He will be greatly missed,” said urban groover, Juicer Mpostori.
Sungura musician, Brian Samaita, said it was a sad development considering that the veteran composer was a torch bearer to upcoming and renowned musicians in the country.
“It is sad news to us all, but to him I believe it is an opportunity to explore and learn new things from the Namibian music industry. The problem we have been facing in this country is that most promoters believe in names more than talent. Talk of musicians such as Simon Mutambi and Romeo Gasa, they are very talented and are even better than so-called big names. Chipanga felt unappreciated and decided to move,” he said.
A music analyst who requested anonymity, said although Chipanga’s quest for glory in the neighbouring country was laudable, the grass might not be greener the other side. “It is a good idea, but very risk. I understand Chipanga argued that people in Namibia were appreciating his music more than locals were doing.
“Chipanga should work on mending relations with promoters and revive his waning music career. Home is always best. “He is a brand and could bounce back if releases a scorcher again,” said the analyst.
Online Reporter