Runn Family sets up trust fund

MUTARE – The Runn Family Trust Fund was officially unveiled last Friday during their album launch return-show at Hillside Golf Club. One of the organisers of the show, Patrick Matsanga, said the first beneficiary would be Tafara Children’s Home in Sakubva.

He said the Runn Family Trust Fund will help the less privileged children in orphanages in Sakubva, which is where all the original members of the Runn Family grew up.

“This fund is supposed to keep alive the legacy of the Runn Family as one of the best ever musical talents to emerge from Mutare and take the nation by storm.

“The Muparutsa family grew up in Sakubva in Old Chisamba and their contribution to Zimbabwe’s musical industry should not be overlooked.

“This is why we called Peter to come and launch his return album back home and the reason we want this Runn Family Trust Fund to be a success. We want to keep the Muparutsa name and history of the Runn Family alive,” said Matsanga.

Original Runn Family members, Peter and Jerry Muparutsa and Anslem Boka, were given a standing ovation for their noteworthy contribution towards Zimbabwe’s music industry and hoisting the Manicaland Province flag high.

The Runn Family first played some tracks from their latest album ‘‘Echo of a child’s anthem’’ with the title track taking revellers down memory lane with its soulful old rhythm and blues feel.

After the formal business, the Runn Family members came back on stage around 11pm and rocked revellers with some of their old-time greats, which immediately got the house on its feet.

Tracks like ‘‘I never want to be sinner’’, ‘‘Samora Waenda, Moyo muti and Nhapi Tapi’’ really set up the party mood as people sang along to the 1980s classic ballads.

Assegai Crew, who were also a supporting act, did justice to the perfect evening with their old-time hit song Kanyama karipi proving to be a timeless hit.

They also hit the right notes on the Ritchie Valens classic ‘‘La Bamba’’ Latino song so much that Ritchie would have turned green with envy.

The Silas Makumbe-led outfit also played Ndakasikirwa Iwewe, a track from their forthcoming album to be released soon.

The guest of honour, Bob Nyabinde, showed why he is among the best crooners in the land, especially when he played the song Manyambiri, quite popular among Mutare revellers as people sang along word for word.

In his introductory song, Bob did a double act with Peter singing his hit song Makorokoto, which was purely magical as Peter showed his touch on the lead guitar, while Bob strummed his acoustic guitar.

The evening was also serenaded by wonderful performances from local outfits, Reverb and Paprikaz. Manica Post