I’m not a one-hit-wonder kid – Pah Chihera

By Charles Dzimwasha

HARARE – The world of music is littered with chancers and opportunists who have claimed fame just by releasing a hit song and over the years these lucky musicians have been dubbed the one-hit wonder kids.

Internationally we have the boy group  by the name All 4 One, with local examples featuring  the likes of Nicholas Somerayi who catapulted to fame and fortune with a one hit song, Kana Ndinewe, in the 1990s.

He was soon to fade into oblivion and so did urban grooves musician Ronnie Huni from Marondera whose only claim to fame was the song, Mazuva Ese.

Although it is a timeless hit, it remains  a fact that it is his only hit song, and he has since quit music.

Currently, we have songtress Tracey Pamhidzai Mbirimi, beter known as Pah Chihera (pictured).

Her hit single Rwunonzi Rudo is still an anthem in many living rooms and clubs, yet she seems to have set a high bar for herself which she is struggling to surpass.

She has had several follow up singles and duets but has dismally failed to find her groove back, prompting many a music critic to label her a  one-hit-wonder kid.

She has, however, vehemently dismissed that tag, arguing that she was only taking her time and artistic verve to produce a scorcher.

Speaking to Just Events, Pah Chihera said she was not a one-hit-wonder  kid but was just a  patient artiste, adding that she currently had ‘stuff in the kitchen’ ready for unveilling.

She added that she has been working on the album since July 2014, and had initially promised to release the album in November of the same year- although she remained mum on the cause of the delay “I am already in the studio working on a new album, which should be out by March,”

She said the month was special to her as it coincides with her birthday.

She also spoke of how she  has been courting  superstar Oliver Mtukudzi and Jah Prayzah to feature in her new project, adding that she  was optimistic ofa positive outcome.

“I also want Mdara Mtukudzi to be on my album, but l am still negotiating with him. However, if all goes well Jah Prayzah and Mtukudzi will feature on my album,” she said.

One of her producers, Tempatation Chirenje, better known as T-Man, was skeptical that Pah Chihera could surpass her set standards.

“It is going to be hard for her to be on that level she has set for herself, but she is talented and if she puts more effort she can make it (sic). ,The truth is; it’s hard though,” said T-Man.

Another producer, DJ Fantan of Chillspot Records, has worked with Pah Chihera and believes she has the potential of dropping another hit song.

“She is a natural hitmaker and I worked with her collaboration with Ras Caleb, and its a potential hit (sic),” said Fantan.

Blessing Makwanga – the man who is behind the production of  Rwunonzi Rudo, said Pah Chihera was the future of local music.

“We are working hard for her to reach the levels she set with the Rwuno.

“Next week, we will be in the studio and we hope to produce good stuff,” said Blessing.

However,  rapper Stunner, a fellow musician who was categorised under the  one-hit-wonder class, acknowledged that making a hit song was something God-given.

“Making a hit song is a gift from God,” said Stunner. The Zimbabwe Mail