Well done Young Igwe

Godwin Muzari Showbiz Mirror
Peter Moyo, also known as Young Igwe, has fought against the odds to make a bold statement about the benefits of persistence. When he took over from his father, Tongai “Dhewa” Moyo, the Young Igwe seemed doomed because he was miles below the standard set by the late Utakataka Express founder. Missiles rained on the young man from all directions as he struggled to fit in his father’s shoes.

Fans lost hope, well-wishers lost sympathy, enthusiasts lost patience and critics opened fire as it became apparent that Peter would not make it in the harsh music terrain. His debut album worsened fans’ fears and, (surprisingly) at a time when many were convinced that the young man is really doomed, tables have turned.

I attended two of his shows last weekend and the young man was amazing. He has greatly changed and massively improved. He was there at Alick Macheso’s birthday party and did justice to his slot. I needed another show to be convinced he was not just an opportunist that Friday night. I had to attend his other show at Traveler Bar in Dzivaresekwa on Sunday to confirm my suspicion. It was a wrong suspicion. The young man hit the nail hard on the head again.

There he was, with his revamped band featuring prodigal sons Spencer Kumulani and Gaison Sixpence, churning hit after hit with less effort to everyone’s delight. Criticism seems to have hardened and made him a hard worker.

I am one of his strong critics. I have written many articles whipping the young musician. I condemned his voice, his attitude and lack of professionalism until the young musician thought the attack was personal. It was never personal because we hardly know each other beyond the boundaries of guitars and drums.

It was criticism triggered by the slow pace at which he seemed to grasp the concepts of the music industry and the care-free attitude that he exhibited towards a brand that had changed the colour of sungura music.

His voice was miserable, his stage presence pathetic and his conduct unprofessional. He would turn up late for shows and spent time ‘‘fighting’’ for women (well he is still to iron out that area) and there was hardly any indication that he would make a difference and represent Dhewa beyond inheriting Utakataka Express.

Dhewa died when he had made great impact on the sungura scene and music industry in general. Many concur that his death dampened the sungura scene. That excitement and serious competition that used to drive sungura has died. The musicians in the genre have fallen into a zone of false comfort where everyone does things at his own pace. They even give each space and avoid releasing albums at the same time. Many critics are singing the “if Dhewa was here” song. No one still had hope in Peter.

People wanted immediate takeover and that immediacy was not in Peter. However, the Young Igwe now has a different story to tell. He has slowly mastered the art.

He is now in the right direction. He might not quickly reach Dhewa’s level but his improvement deserves recognition.
He is showing signs of maturity. He has dealt with his vocal weakness and his stage act has improved.

Although he is still to expertly master the guitar, he is putting serious effort in that area.
Maybe he has gained confidence because of the return of Kumulani and Sixpence. Kumulani has obviously brought notable change to the band. Whatever has pushed the Young Igwe to his current level, the young musician deserves encouragement. He is in the right direction. Well done Peter.

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