Harare’s moment to honour Dhewa

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Although the late Tongai “Dhewa” Moyo maintained his base in Kwekwe throughout his career, he made Harare his favourite hunting ground.

Although the late Tongai “Dhewa” Moyo maintained his base in Kwekwe throughout his career, he made Harare his favourite hunting ground. REPORT BY GODWIN MUZARI

While some musicians based in Harare staged most of their shows in small towns to evade competition, Dhewa invaded the capital and conquered.

He challenged big names that dominated popular venues in Harare and gained a good share of popularity.

Even when his battle against cancer reached alarming levels, Dhewa remained faithful to his Harare fans and staged most of his last shows in the capital.

So when musicians and fans gather at Harare Gardens this afternoon for Dhewa’s commemoration gig, it will be a time of sweet and sour reflections on the musician’s Harare adventures.

It was in Harare where Dhewa scooped accolades at various award ceremonies for different achievements in his career.

It was in Harare where Dhewa unveiled most of his albums at unforgettable launch ceremonies, most of which were fully packed.

It was at a show in Harare where women wept at the sight of a frail Dhewa resiliently pulling his wasted body on stage to give fans one of his last performances.

Sadly, it was also in Harare where Dhewa took his last breath.

A hero’s send-off of his body on a Sunday afternoon (October 2011) in the central business district marked the last gathering for Dhewa in the capital. Such memories will be rekindled today at Harare Gardens.

Dhewa’s son Peter Moyo will lead fellow musicians and fans in the ceremony to honour his late father.

Artists to grace the gig

Leonard Zhakata, Pastor Charles and Mai Charamba, Tryson Chimbetu, Jah Prayzah, Somandla Ndebele, Daiton Somanje, First Farai and Sanii Makhalima, will take turns to perform at the gig.

The Charambas are likely to say a prayer, thanking God for giving Zimbabwe a talented musician who has contributed to the arts industry in a commendable way.

Ndebele will definitely tell the gathering about his experiences as Dhewa’s best friend. He will once again remind people of how they made the duet, Moyo Wekurera and share many other good and bad memories of his adventures with Dhewa.

First Farai fainted when he received the news of Dhewa’s death. Today he is likely to talk about the overwhelming emotion of losing his mentor and brother.

Chimbetu will be in Peter’s shoes, telling the gathering how it feels to take over a music career from a departed talented father.

It is likely to be an eventful commemoration.