Online Reporter
Takawira Photoveteran Unlimited Nyashanu Dapi
FOR years, the feud between Tongai Moyo Jr and his elder brother, Peter Moyo, played out in public but now the younger musician says he regrets it all.
Tongai Jnr has apologised to his brother, admitting their clashes hurt their late grandmother, Gogo Chihera, whom he describes as the spiritual backbone behind the Moyo family’s celebrated music dynasty.
Speaking candidly after the recent burial of their grandmother in Sosombe, Tongai Jnr said her death forced him to reflect on the family drama that had long divided the famous musical clan.
“When our father passed away, Mukoma Peter was left in charge of us as the first-born,” he said.
“Unfortunately, I had a rift with him and those clashes affected our grandmother for a long time. She wanted peace among us and would even call relatives and our father’s friends to intervene.
“I used to think fighting was the quickest way to be heard by Mukoma Peter about my music dreams.
“But today I realise that peace is the strongest foundation for the future.”
Tongai Jnr said the death of their grandmother ended the hostility and unexpectedly reunited the family.
“Her passing naturally brought us together as the Moyo grandchildren,” he said.
“Today there is peace among us and I now enjoy a good relationship with my brothers and sisters.
“Today my brother Peter is wholeheartedly helping me with shows and connecting me with the people who worked with our father.
“We even share band members so that none of us cancels shows.”
Tongai Jnr said their late grandmother was not just a family elder but a powerful traditional spirit mediu.
“Mbuya Chihera always reminded us that the guitars did not start with us,” he said.
“She told us our music started with our forefathers and it is our duty to keep it alive.
“Our father’s hit song ‘Samanyemba’ came from a story our grandmother told him.
“Before the song was released, traditional ceremonies were performed in Sosombe under her guidance.”
Tongai Jnr apologised his stepmothers.
“I have now realised my stepmothers were actually good to me,” he said.
“They were trying to raise and discipline me but I misunderstood them.
“I used to lie about them to my mother’s relatives.
“Fathers should not always rush to fight their wives because of what children say. They must investigate and understand both sides.”
Despite the grief of losing their grandmother, the Moyo family recently found a reason to smile.
“My wife gave birth to a baby girl during the time we were mourning our grandmother,” Tongai Jnr revealed.
“We named her Tanyaradzwa, meaning consolation, because she comforted us during that difficult time.”
