Tongai’s son pleads for support

singer was formally introduced to a cheerful home crowd at Mbizo Stadium during a parade to pay the last respects to the music ambassador from Kwekwe.
Media, Information and Publicity Minister, Webster Shamu who is also the patron of the Zimbabwe Union of Musicians, sang and danced to “Murozvi Mukuru” as Peter took to the stage.

When he appeared on stage dressed in a pair of red trousers and a matching waistcoat just like his father used to do, the crowd went into a frenzy.
However, the question that many asked was will Peter fit in his father’s shoes?
This was to be expected considering that this is the same stadium that the “Nemumvura Mese” hitmaker laid his firm foundation and he would always run back to the same crowd when the chips were down.
In an interview, Peter said he was raring to go but appealed for support from everyone.

“We are going to continue with the good work that he started and hopefully we will pull through as team.
“I think history was made and what’s left is for us to take it further so that the generations to come after us will know that there was once a great musician who loved and did everything for music,” he said.
Peter, however, conceded that it was not going to be easy for him to fill the gap left by his late father.
“My father was a great musician and he always set himself high standards and it’s going be hard to maintain those standards. Right now we want to strive to achieve consistency,” Peter said.

He said he was fully aware of the challenges that faces him.
“I returned home from South Africa to support my father.
“I have since stopped playing football so that I can concentrate on enhancing my music career and I have always wanted to be a musician.

“Support from everyone is all I need at the moment,” he said.
But do not expect much as yet from Peter since his success depends on the support and contribution of everyone.
Esau Mupfumi, a Mutare businessman and a close friend of the late Dhewa pledged his allegiance to Peter just like he used to when Dhewa was still alive.

“I will always support the band as I have been doing all along. We are planning to bring Peter to Mutare soon so that he can prove his mettle,” he said.
What is, however, more interesting is that Peter delivered a near flawless act a week before Dhewa passed on.
He received a warm welcome from the appreciative crowd.

According to Sulumane Chimbetu, “Tese tiri vana vaMwari, asi pane mwanakomana waMwari. In this case it is Peter.”
Chimbetu, who himself walked in the same path that Peter is taking after the death of his father Simon Chimbetu, was optimistic that Peter’s road to fame would not be a bumpy one.
“Peter should consider himself lucky to be able to play on stage while his father was alive. He should thank the heavens that Dhewa gave him blessings everytime he took to the stage.

“The best that he (Peter) can do for his father is to keep the Utakataka Express intact,” Sulu said.
He also hinted at the possibility of a rebellion amongst the members of the popular “Vakomana vanochena” saying that was common in every band but Peter should remain steadfast.
“He should not be deterred by such situations because he has the backing of everyone, from the fans, family, artistes and the Utakataka Express members.”

It appears the future is bright for Peter for as long as people give him the support he needs.
Dhewa’s widow, Miniehle Mkweli has also thrown her weight behind Peter.
“His father left him in charge and I think it would be best to support him. Right now Peter needs a lot of support not only from everyone,” she said.

Joe Munyebvu of Joe Promotions, who was promoting “Muchina Muhombe” at the time of his death said he had no qualms working with Peter.
“I started working with Peter when Tongai was in hospital, we did not have a problem with him or the band, they seem quiet professional and I hope they keep it that way.”
Joe revealed that he would not renege on his promise to Dhewa and support Utakataka Express.

“We had a deal, and I will keep my part of that deal.
“The most important thing is that other promoters like Biggie Chinoperekwei of City Sports Bar, Charles Mumanyi of Kim Promotions in Chegutu, Maridadi of Gweru and many others have embraced him,” he said.

Partson Chimbodza of Chipaz Promotions has already said the band will play at the annual “Shut Down” show that will feature music giants Alick Macheso, Oliver Mtukudzi, Sulumane among others at the Amphitheatre Hall in Bulawayo on December 21.