Moffat Mungazi
Moffat Mungazi
Entertainment Reporter
BUDDING Mutare-based artiste, Effort Mutasa, has embarked on a double-barrelled mission to use the profound power of music to sensitise young people and communities about the dangers of drugs and substance abuse as well as spread the word of God.
Since his emergence on the entertainment scene a decade ago, the 29-year-old — whose stage name is Chigudo Mutare — said his calling is to impact lives positively through song, and believes he is making huge strides in that regard.
This has seen him release two studio albums to date, which compilations he has described as, not merely melodies, but a moral compass people can use to navigate the complexities of life.
His first offering, titled “Upenyu” was released in 2019. It carried eight tracks, including “Pandafamba,” “Gehena Rine Moto,” “Dai Ndaiziva” and the title track. He followed it up with another album — “Panguva Iyoyo” last year.
“Soja RaMwari,” “Ukabata Unogwinhwa,” “Paukama,” “Naisayi Goridhe” and “Paukama” are some of the songs comprising the 2024 release.
Chigudo Mutare said his compositions are a reflection of the everyday experiences lived by people.
“My music mirrors society as it is a reflection of reality. I sing about what people go through every day and as such some of my songs tackle the scourge of drugs and substance abuse bedevilling many communities across the country.
The songs speak mainly to young people and the old as well, encouraging them to steer clear of this menace whose health, psychological and physical consequences are affecting many.
“To ensure that we stay on the path of uprightness, we also need to have a relationship with God. This requires us to be steadfast in our faith and keep praying; which are some of the themes in my music. So my objective as an artiste is two-pronged, in that it is gospel music that also highlights the challenges facing society, while also raising awareness about the need to fight drug and substance abuse,” said Chigudo Mutare.
He opted for the Zim-dancehall genre as a vehicle to convey his messages through song because the majority of young people, who are chiefly his targeted audience, can relate to that type of music.
Chigudo Mutare, who is brother to imprisoned Zim-dancehall sensation, Chigudo Chihomuhomu (Joseph Mutamba), said he has already started working on the videos for “Panguva Iyoyo” and “Ndakashoreka”.
He expressed gratitude for the airplay his music is receiving on DiamondFM, saying this is critical in pushing the works of artistes from Manicaland.
The fledgling artiste said he draws inspiration from sungura ace, Alick Macheso, gospel music diva, Dorcas Moyo, and the evergreen, Freeman, whom he shared the stage with at Watsomba in 2023.
Chigudo Mutare is looking forward to doing collaborations with both established and upcoming artistes.
Online Reporter