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Courage Musariri Entertainment Reporter
FORMER Utakataka Express chanter Gift “Shiga Shiga” Katulika is reported to have turned almost a destitute and is making overtures to Peter Moyo, so that he can land his old place at Utakataka.The chanter left the group months after the death of Tongai Moyo joining Mutodi Express fronted by flamboyant businessman-cum-musician Energy Mutodi.
This did not go down well with many musicians, including Alick Macheso who blamed Mutodi for trying to destroy Utakataka Express.
Trouble has since rocked Mutodi’s business empire causing setbacks in his band.
The chanter is believed to have gone for three months without paying rent. On Thursday, at President Mugabe’s inauguration gala, he reportedly begged Utakataka Express to slot him in their performance so that he can earn a few dollars.
Utakataka band manager Sukho Dube said they have spoken to Shiga and he had expressed his desire to rejoin the band, but they could not take him back because his is contracted somewhere.
“He asked us to allow him to perform so that he could make money to take home. He is not a band member, but we understood his situation as a friend and allowed him to perform,” he said.
He was also at Utakataka Express’ show at Manor Hotel in Bulawayo, where he tried to perform with the band, but received a cold shoulder from Peter.
“We respect the fact that he has a running contract with another band. We do not want to poach contracted band members. That is why today we could not allow him to perform, we don’t want trouble with Mutodi,” said Dube.
He said what makes it hard is that Shiga wants to come back at a time when the band is doing well, yet he left when he was really needed the most.
“These guys left when Peter needed them. He was still new in the game and relied on these guys. They were the backbone of the group. We have now come a long way and we are doing well, all of a sudden they want to come back.
If he is really serious, then he should deal with Mutodi first and come to us on a clean page,” he said.
Peter agreed with his band manager on the subject saying there is a possibility of his return, but they are still to iron out a number of things.
“This is a sensitive matter. We understand his situation and if he is genuine, we will take him back,”he said.
After Spencer Khumbulani, Shiga Shiga and Guyson Sixpence left Utakataka, the group recruited bassist Emmanuel Sajeni and drummer Donald Machiri. Willard Loche who has been with the band for a while took over Tongai Moyo’s slot on the lead guitar, while Evidence “Baba Gari” Tarabuku remained on the rhythm guitar and Dickson Siwela on sub-rhythm.
Online Reporter