adminwill be Peter “Young Igwe” Moyo, who only last weekend was dealt a major blow after his Utakataka Express group members were involved in a car accident on their way to Harare from the Unity Gala in Gokwe.
Four members from the group were seriously injured in the crash and with support from show promoters — Chipaz Promotions — the planned gig will go ahead after the Utakataka Express frontman replaced some of the injured members with session musicians.
“The Young Igwe”, who spoke through his manager, was upbeat about the show despite the setback and has since promised fans a polished act.
The group has been rehearsing with the “new recruits” and morale is still high within the group despite the setback.
“The show goes on and we are raring to go,” Sukoluhle Dube, the Utakataka Express manager, said.
Show promoter Partson Chimbodza and “the Young Igwe” yesterday held talks with Energy Mutodi of the Mutodi Express to see if he could release chanter Shiga Shiga and bassist Spencer Khumulani for the weekend gig.
The Herald Entertainment understands that Mutodi has agreed to release not just Spencer and Shiga Shiga but any member that the Utakataka Express might want to use as replacements.
Meanwhile, the gig boasts a stellar line-up of performers including raunchy dancer Beverly Sibanda and Alick Macheso, who have both had an eventful year.
Macheso is basking in the popularity of his latest album “Kwatakabva Mitunhu (Kure Kwekure)” while Beverly is also enjoying a purple patch.
Given his stature and prominence, Macheso is undoubtedly the biggest drawcard at the gig.
Affectionately known as “Extrabasso” in the music circles, the “Charakupa” singer is likely to delight his fans with his latest dance called “Kochekera” on the night.
If his performance at the Unity Gala is anything to go by, then fans are in for a real treat from the King of Sungura.
Like wine, the musician seems to be maturing with age and each time he goes on stage, he always pulls a surprise or two for his fans.
Macheso’s range from crying on stage, jumping like someone who is possessed and his greatest asset is his ability to strut his guitar with almost every part of his body.
Others on the bill include the King of Zora music Leonard “Karikoga” Zhakata, the energetic Jah Prayzah and the youthful Romeo Gasa. Jah Prayzah has also promised fireworks on the night and it must be said that the young man is on top of his game.
The contemporary crooner has a special way of choosing his playlist and each time he goes on stage, he is full of energy and verve.
In a remarkable year in which he splashed US$7 000 for his mother’s birthday bash, the lanky musician would like it to cap it in a remarkable way and this could be the opportune night to show that he has come of age.
Zhakata, who is a brand in the music circles, would surely give stability to the upcoming artistes who are scheduled to share the stage with him.
The veteran musician is a crowd favourite because of his deep lyrical content, which gives insight and wisdom.
Gasa, who is the dark horse in the line-up must be given credit because he did not let his personal misfortunes ground him.
The young musician recently lost his only child.
Online Reporter