Potipher keeps Zinawa brand afloat

Standard Style
Despite initially having doubted that he would ever live up to his late father’s legacy, musician Potipher Mopo has managed to keep the Zinawa band afloat, a development which he is set to buttress with the release of his fourth album titled Ndimi Munotonga in August.

By Panashe Ndlovu

Despite initially having doubted that he would ever live up to his late father’s legacy, musician Potipher Mopo has managed to keep the Zinawa band afloat, a development which he is set to buttress with the release of his fourth album titled Ndimi Munotonga in August.

Mopo, who took over control of Zinawa following the death of his father Mike, told Standard Style on Tuesday that he was busy working on their fourth project, which they believe if all goes according to plan, would hit the streets in two months’ time.

“Ndimi Munotonga is my forthcoming masterpiece project. It’s an eight-track album with one of the tracks being a collaboration with a local artiste. I am still negotiating with a number of artistes and as soon as we agree, we will head to the studio and advise the public on the names of the artistes,” Mopo said.

The 40-year-old crooner said he was inspired to give his album the title Ndimi Munotonga by trials and tribulations people face every day.

“In life we encounter a lot of challenges and we try by all means to overcome these problems, but after all, we should recognise that God is the Supreme Ruler, hence the title Ndimi Munotonga — ‘Ndimi’ being a reference to the Almighty,” he said.

The song Ndorerwa Nesango from his last album Ndega Zvangu is one of the most aired tracks among some of his compositions. He believes his music touches people’s emotions as they easily relate the messages to what they are experiencing.

“Ndorerwa Nesango is just like any other songs I have composed and when you listen to that song, you will discover that I am singing about what other people have experienced,” he said.

“What might have made it popular is the fact that most people in developing countries are not spared of that and are experiencing what I sing. People are emotionally attached to the song and I have even seen a number of people crying during my shows.”

Mopo dreams of seeing his Zinawa band being recognised worldwide and believes he is pushed by the support he gets from his fans as well as that zeal of not letting his father down.

“I love music and that love and inspiration I get from Zinawa fans keeps me going. When I assumed leadership of Zinawa, the band was like a moving chariot and I was the one who could break it, so that thought of not wanting to break or betray my father pushes me to work even harder to fulfil the dream of making Zinawa big brand that is visible nationwide,” he said.

Mopo has released three albums — Runyararo, Ndega Zvangu and Ngaikwane Changamire. His father was popular with hits such as Chido, Huya Titambe and Tozvireva Kunani, among others.

The heir apparent to the Zinawa throne is holding shows across the country. On Friday, he performed at Moonlight Sports Bar in Mabvuku.