Peter clears Dhewa’s debts

weekend were the final instalments for debts they owed promoters who had paid for shows in advance for Tongai “Dhewa” Moyo before the sungura legend died in October.
The cancer that cut short the late Utakataka Express frontman’s life had actually burnt huge holes in his pockets. So dire was the situation that Dhewa was forced to sell his two cars – a Nissan Presage (US$7 500) and a Mazda BT50 twin-cab (US$6 000) – three days before he died.
A close family member who refused to be named said that the singer was “literally buying life” on a daily basis.
“If it were not of his status, he would have died much earlier, but because he had relatives, friends and fans who had money to spare Tongai lived for much of 2011,” said our deep-throated source.
He added that were it not for his cousin, Knowledge Chosa, who had him transferred to St Anne’s Hospital, the musician could have breathed his last in Parirenyatwa Hospital’s general ward.
Utakataka Express have been holding shows to settle some of his debts, but it appears this could now be a thing of the past because the group is now working on new contracts, which are well supported by promoters and fans alike.
“I am still promoting Utakataka Express. We are now looking forward to a good relationship with the new set- up,” said Joe Munyebvu.
These revelations can best explain why the late Dhewa defied the pain and appeared on stage even when he was ailing.
The singer badly needed the money to buy medication and for the upkeep of his family.
It was only in his last days that die-hard fans got to realise that he was in unbearable pain.
During his swansong show, it was evident that Dhewa no longer had the strength as his vocals were partially slurred, and for the first time he struggled to put his words together.
Every now and again he would seek support from the microphone stand and sometimes the speakers.
Being the resilient and courageous fighter that he was, Dhewa soon found himself joining his frontline (dancers), imitating each and every of their moves.
The show must have sapped his last ounces of energy.
The following day he was reported to have fallen seriously ill.
Munyebvu said even when he was in hospital, the singer always talked about a comeback gig.
“He wanted to do a big show on his return, one that would be captured live on video and he had asked for a venue with good sound and visual effects like the 7 Arts Theatre or the Harare International Conference Centre.”
Munyebvu argued money was not the reason he wanted to be back on stage because he had friends and relatives who were helping him out financially.
“I think there was an inspiration he got from his fans, because he loved them and he always said that their cheers pushed him to sing and dance more on each outing.”
Through Information and Publicity Minister Webster Shamu’s initiative, the singer managed to raise over US$10 000 for a potentially life-saving drug. The drug, however, arrived a little too late as most of his body organs had by then deteriorated and were malfunctional.