BY JAIROS SAUNYAMA
Sungura maestro Alick Macheso will on June 1 headline a music gala to celebrate the life of the late Pengaudzoke founder Daiton Somanje.
Somanje succumbed to meningitis on April 7, 2015 at a Harare hospital.
Following his death, Somanje’s eldest son Faheem took over the band before sungura ace Macheso chipped in and offered assistance.
Faheem confirmed to Standard Style that the memorial gala would be held at Rudhaka Stadium in Marondera, his hometown.
“We wanted to host the memorial gala on Independence Day after the celebrations, but we failed because most of the artistes were committed elsewhere. The Independence Day holiday spilled into Easter, hence most musicians were busy,” said Faheem.
“A number of groups, including myself and Pengaudzoke, are taking part in the gala and Macheso would be the main act while Josphat Somanje is the guest artiste.”
The Nhaka hitmaker said he was now “finalising” the preparations for the music fiesta, which is being powered by the National Arts Council and the Mashonaland East Music and Arts Association.
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This paper is reliably informed that Faheem, who has released one album after taking over Pengaudzoke, has secured resources for the memorial gig.
After being weaned off by Macheso, Faheem has been holding shows in and outside Marondera, but the economic meltdown bedevilling the country has been hindered him from planning for the big event.
Daiton died at the age of 50 and was part of the famous Pengaudzoke outfit that he formed together with his younger brother, Josphat.
The group is well-known for hit songs like Tsaona and Zvibate Pamhaka, among many others.
In 2010, there was fallout between Daiton and Josphat, which resulted in the two pursuing solo careers.
Some of Pengaudzoke’s albums include Tokudai Mose, Zvibate Pamhaka, Kwatakabva Kure Nenhamo and Titonganisei, among many others.
