Young Igwe releases DVD in style

By Maxwell Sibanda

Sungura musician Peter Moyo recently launched his DVD album titled Mabasa aMwari at Dandaro Inn in Harare where hundreds of his friends and fans packed the venue.

At the end of the launch, Moyo should have been a happy man as the DVD album managed to raise more than $5 000 as his friends and fans bought it for varying prices which ranged from as much as $150 to $700 per copy.

Businessman Chamu Chiwanza, who was the guest of honour at the event, set the ball rolling for the night’s auction as he bought the DVD album for a whopping $160.

Chiwanza said before the event Moyo had pestered that he attends, “because he is my nephew and I am his uncle. His father also called me uncle, so I had to force myself to be here and it is an honour”.

The businessman reminded all those who were in attendance of the importance of Utakataka original band members; guitarist Spencer and chanter Shiga Shiga.

“Spencer is Utakataka and I am happy that he is still with the band because I remember seeing him play the guitar years back and it was something special. I want him to play the guitar for you tonight so that you understand what I am talking about,” requested Chiwanza.

And like a true professional Spencer got onto the guitar and with Shiga Shiga throwing his famous chants one could have thought it was a full band.

Chiwanza wasn’t finished though. “Shiga Shiga here, I remember seeing him perform in 1997 at a party hosted by Peter Pamire and Philip Chiyangwa when I was still a small boy. He was one of the band members of the original Lubumbashi Stars. And I would like to tell you that Shiga Shiga does not change in stature because he has been like this for the past 20 years.”

Chiwanza said he missed the original Utakataka. “People say Peter plays and sounds like his father, but I see a legend in him, he is creating his own brand. It does not mean that if your father is rich then it translates that the son becomes rich…there has to be talent and skill.

“I like his DVD album’s title; Mabasa aMwari because in real terms what we are witnessing today is God’s work. And as such I want to buy this DVD so that I can declare this album launch officially open.

“I want to buy it for cash — I have been to the bank and the first time they gave me $50, I went to queue again for another $50, got a third one and they said it was enough, so I will buy it for $160,” said Chiwanza.

Kadoma businessman Cosmos Daka, who is popularly known as Cosy Rules who supported Moyo in producing the DVD album bought a copy for $400.

Cosy said as part of Moyo’s production team he was happy with the quality of work on the new release. “It took us close to eight months of constant work. This time around, Peter put all his effort in the production and the end product shows it.

“But it is important to acknowledge the Utakataka family for the continued support because without them Peter could not be where he is today.

“I would like to thank all those who took part in the production process, it was hard work but hard work always produces fruits.”

Jive Music director Benji Nyandoro who coordinated the launch urged those who support Moyo to do so whole-heartedly. “It is important that when Peter performs and when we attend his shows we pay because this is how he earns a living.

“Paying for his products ensures that he has enough resources to pay his band members and also facilitate his travels and other engagements.”

Fellow musician Somdala Ndebele joined Moyo on the stage as he performed, all this to the delight of the audience. Other notable musician on the night was Cindy Munyavi, who was credited for the décor in the building.

Mabasa aMwari comprises five songs which include his late father’s hit song Zimbabwe.

Moyo said he put a lot of effort into this new production. “There is quality in the videos, from the dressing of those taking part in the shoots to the choreography.

The sungura singer said since his encounter with PHD leader Walter Magaya, his life has changed for the better. “He is not just my Prophet, actually he is my father. I have no father to look to and he has been there for me, indeed he is my father because every problem that I have, even a small one I share with him and he helps me.

“Equally, Cosy has been helping me in all my artistic endeavour and they are many to mention. As a young artist, you need such people, those who can promote you so you are able to implement certain projects which without them would never materialise,” said Moyo.

Several musicians have given their support to “Young Igwe” and he is surprised. “I am surprised at the number of musicians who are supporting me on this particular launch.

“At times in life you never know that you have so many people, especially musicians who love you.”

He is happy that he has grown a band of loyal fans. “This past year has been a difficult one — not to me and my band alone but for everyone. But we have managed to weather the challenge because of the people who support us even when we do not even have a single hit record on the market.”

Peter said this year he would start by releasing a collaborative song after which he will release a full album in April comprising five songs.

“We are already working on our next album and come April we will be hitting the market. After the release of our debut album Mushonga Mukuru we have learnt a lot of things in terms of production and marketing.”

Peter who is still based in the mining town of Kwekwe said he is still playing soccer with Yadah Football Club which was this year promoted into the premier league.

“I am convinced that come next season, I would be fully fit. I got injured while training plus the production of the DVD meant that I had to devote more time there.” Daily News