adminProblem Masau Arts Correspondent
Sungura musician Somandla Ndebele once said the death of his long time friend Tongai Moyo had left a void difficult to fill.
The singer who released a DVD of his song “Tribute to Dhewa”, said he still treats Peter Moyo as his son.
“I was very close to Tongai Moyo though I was in good books with every other artiste in the country. When he died it was difficult for me to find another friend but I must say I am now very close to Suluman. We share jokes and advice.
“He even phoned me when he was staging his shows in South Africa. Suluman is a frequent guest at my house too,” he said.
The “Muzukuru Peter”, hitmaker said a collaboration with Suluman was imminent.
“I have no problem with Peter, he has matured musically. He also calls me regularly and when he is in Harare, we hook up,” he said.
Ndebele said he will forever cherish and honour his fallen friend, Tongai Moyo. Ndebele’s song “Tribute to Tongai Moyo” is off his latest album “Zvemberi Makasa”.
“We worked together for a long time as one band and played together from track one to six. I travelled with Tongai all the time. We held shows throughout the country together and that was the most enjoyable time of my career,” he said.
Ndebele, popularly known to his fans as Mafia, said he missed the days when he worked with Tongai. On the song, Ndebele features Peter and Suluman Chimbetu.
He also revived the original Denda Brothers’ flair that made him a household name back in the days. Tongai, who churned hit after hit, among them “Samanyemba”, “Pakanaka Dhewa”, “Naye” and “Muridzi Wenyaya”, among others, succumbed to cancer in October 2011. His son Peter has carried on from where his father left and has been partnering with Somandla Ndebele in a number of musical projects.
Online Reporter