adminSpeaking to Saturday Leisure after their show in Masvingo recently, band manager Sukulube Dube accused Mutodi of attempting to entice almost every member of Utakataka to join his group.
He said such action was tantamount to sabotaging other musical groups using money.
Mutodi has successfully lured former Utakataka members, Shiga Shiga and Spencer Khumbulani who were some of the long serving members of the Kwekwe-based band now fronted by Peter Moyo, son of the late Tongai Moyo.
“Mutodi told us that he wants to be among the big five within the music industry in Zimbabwe hence his decision to “poach” artistes from other groups.
“He has approached every member in our band including me the manager and promised me heaven on earth. He is using his financial muscle to destroy the group that we worked hard to keep intact following the death of Tongai,” said Dube.
The band manager, who is also the band’s sound engineer, said Shiga Shinga and Khumbulani were promised nice cars and as such they found it difficult to resist the offer.
“Shiga Shiga, our once loyal member, was offered a Mercedes Benz and Khumbulani was also given a nice car.
“I cannot blame them because the offers were tempting but considering that Mutodi was aware of our situation, we least expected him to target our members. It is a lie that our members are the ones who approached him, the opposite is actually true,” said Dube.
He said other members who were approached turned down Mutodi’s offers.
“The members who remained behind have demonstrated that they want to be associated with the brand, Utakataka. We might be facing challenges but we are happy that the spirit of Dhewa is guiding us through and we will remain a force to reckon with in the industry,” said Dube.
He also hinted that the fans should expect the Young Igwe’s project very soon, since they were already rehearsing his new songs on the upcoming album.
“We were supposed to have recorded the album by now but the project has been delayed following the challenges we faced such as losing some of our members,” said Dube.
He said members had to assume new roles following the departure of the duo.
“For example Emmanuel Lualua was a dancer but now he has filled the void left by Shiga Shiga, the chanter,” he said.
The manager conceded that losing Shiga Shiga dealt them a heavy blow because the Congolese chanter had made a name for himself within the group.
“To be honest, losing that man dealt us a heavy blow for he had turned Utakataka into a very attractive brand. Khumbulani, although he was talented, we hardly miss him because the man who has replaced him has acquainted himself very well. The new bassist, Saviours Karikodzi has been there and he used to play bass guitar even when Khumbulani was there,” said Dube.
Asked for his comment Mutodi rubbished the allegations and accused the Utakataka band manager of seeking cheap publicity through peddling lies about Shiga Shiga and Spencer.
“This young man is making stinking lies. He should ask his boss Peter Moyo what transpired. I bought those two for $8 000 and $4 000 each and gave it to Peter. He is actually content with the deal because it was a win-win situation,” he said.
Mutodi said he bought artistes to strengthen his own band and he did not see anything wrong in doing that.
“I also want my band to be a force to reckon with so I am buying artistes from different groups and for him to say I approached every
one is a blue lie. In actual fact I am one of the top five musicians in the country. I have bought one guy from Ngosimbi Crew and a drummer from Mbuya MaDube,” Mutodi said.
The flamboyant artiste said Peter Moyo was a talented musician who could not be disturbed by the movement of two artistes.
“That young man is very talented and I foresee him climbing mountains with his talent. He has the pedigree to transform that band into a formidable group. I have respect for him. He is even my best friend and I support his endeavours.”
Online Reporter