Shiga acquires new ‘baby’

The new acquisition comes barely a year after his departure from Utakataka Express joining the controversial Energy Mutodi.

In an interview, Shiga Shiga told Saturday Leisure that his family was happy with the new car that he bought some time in December.

“When I left Utakataka to join Mutodi a few months ago a lot of people out there thought that was going to be the end of my music career.

“Instead I have managed to survive in the music industry and our music is gaining popularity and my new acquisition is  proof of that,” he said.

Shiga Shiga said his car was a Christmas present to his family that supported him.

“When I left Utakataka Express a lot of people were against the idea and some people even accused me of betraying the late Tongai Dhewa Moyo but my family on the other hand supported me as they understood my reasons  for crossing the floor to join Mutodi,” he said.

The rhumba musician said he is happily married and is proud to be a father of four children, three boys and one girl. These are Sasha, Nicholas, Erick and Malaika

“I am a musician by profession and I even paid lobola for my wife with the money that I raised from music,” he said.

Shiga Shiga said he also bought a residential stand in one of Harare’s low density suburbs.

“I have seen a lot of musicians who die without a permanent place to stay and their children usually end up suffering because of that.

“So I decided to buy a residential stand for my family and I will be constructing a house soon,” he said.

The rhumba musician said his departure from Utakataka Express created jobs for other talented guys out there.

“When I left Utakataka Express the gap was filled by Tendai Chabatarongo a.k.a Yamatele who used to be a dancer.

“I have seen him on stage on several occasions and I can tell you that he is good,” he said.

Shiga Shiga said since his arrival at Mutodi’s band they have managed to record two successful albums and these are Beki naChenai and Magetsi ngabake.

“When we joined Mutodi some time last year we recorded two albums and we have been working on the videos.

“The two albums actually dominated Radio Zimbabwe’s top 100,” he said.

Shiga Shiga said the two albums had an impact on the Zimbabwean music industry and already they are working on something new.

“With Mutodi we are still playing Zimbabwean music and in five years to come we will be a force to reckon with in the music industry,” he said.

Shiga Shiga said he came to Zimbabwe in 1991 while he was still part of Lubumbashi Stars.

“We were invited to Zimbabwe by Philip Chiyangwa for a show and the reception that we got here enticed us to stay.

“By then Chiyangwa was still a music promoter,” he said.

Shiga Shiga said confusion later rocked the band in 2000 after the death of the band leader Malaika Mwambakayeye.

“When Malaika passed on the guys who took over actually refused to pay us for a long time and this forced me to start my own band.

“I decided to form New Stars Musica and it operated for four years,” he said.

The singer said he joined the late Tongai “Dhewa” Moyo as the band manager and a chanter in 2004.

“I was with Utakataka for 10 years and I really enjoyed working with the late Igwee,” he said.

Shiga Shiga said with Dhewa they recorded three successful albums that include Naye, Toita basa and Pinda Panyanga.

“I benefited a lot from that guy and I really lost a friend and a brother who had true love.

“He equipped me with the skill that I am still using up to today and I thank him for that,” he said.