Shiga Shiga wants out . . . but Peter Moyo is not bothered
By Matthew Masinge
Popular chanter Gift ‘Shiga Shiga’ Katulika is again threatening to leave Peter Moyo’s camp amid revelations of neglect and poor working conditions.
This is not the first time the Congolese chanter has threatened to leave the band. In 2012 he left but returned two years later.
His move comes at a time Peter Moyo is preparing to launch his third album set for May 25 at Jazz 24/7.
Shiga Shiga’s actions won’t come as a surprise since in recent times he made it public that he would render his expertise to any sungura artiste.
“I have made up my mind this time and I want to leave Utakata Express for good, it has been hard for me to cope and even raise school fees for my children.
“Can you imagine a grown up man like me getting US$15 to take home for my family’s upkeep, that’s an insult and I can’t take it anymore,” said Shiga Shiga.
The outspoken chanter says he has plans to start his own thing.
Shiga has to date worked with Mutare based sungura star Brian Samaita on his current album Kumaziva Ndadzoka and Gift Amuli on the album titled Masvingo.
Contacted for comment, the Utakataka Express band manager, Brilliant Ndlovu said he wasn’t aware of Shiga’s intensions.
“I am actually surprised to learn that from you the media, Shiga has not put in any word on us and we still regard him as one of us.
“We last spoke on Sunday when he inquired of our shows this week; he has been in and out and sometimes not showing up for work.
“We don’t know his concerns and won’t be standing in his way if he wishes to go, but he should communicate with us,” he said.
Meanwhile, Peter “Young Igwe” Moyo, says he couldn’t be bothered and would rather concentrate on his album launch countdown.
“If Shiga Shiga is fed up, he should leave us and start his own projects like he always insist.
“He once left and came back on his own. So why does he keep coming back to us when he is not well remunerated like he always says when he meets people?
“At times Shiga doesn’t show up for shows yet he wants to be paid like anyone else in the band.
“He is just trying to tarnish the Utakataka brand by peddling lies against us; we will not lose sleep over him but continue working hard” he added.”
This Friday, he performs at The Volt where he has never put a foot wrong.
In fact, he invites old and new Utakataka Express to show their solidarity at the time he is on the verge of launching his third album.
On Saturday, he plays at new Club Veritas (formerly Destiny Nite Club) where the camp promised yet another polished act. H Metro
