SOUTH AFRICA-based sungura musician Ronnie Mudhindo says he is not seeking fame by assisting Tongai Obed Moyo Junior after he failed to work with the son’s father, the late Tongai.
By Sandra Maricho
Mudhindo, who fronts Orchestra Vazvamburi, last week came out guns blazing following reports that he was collaborating with Obed in order to push his own brand at the expense of the late musician’s son.
The former Utakataka Express bassist recently joined forces with Obed on a single titled Dzinza Rinokosha, which drew sharply mixed reactions from the music fraternity.
An artiste, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described such behaviour as hypocritical.
The musician said he had observed the growing trend within the local music fraternity where artistes and promoters ride on the success of the departed at their offspring’s expense.
However, Mudhindo said he was only assisting Obed whom he feels is a talented artiste like his father.
Speaking from his base in South Africa, the lanky guitarist told Standard Style that he was a friend of the late Dhewa. He said he left Utakataka Express after realising his potential as a musician and wanted to go it alone.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“After I left Utakataka Express, I was approached by Peter [Tongai Moyo’s other son], who said he wanted to learn about music and how to play the guitar, which I accepted,” Mudhindo said.
“His late father knew that I was assisting Peter and there was no bad blood between us because Tongai understood my passion of assisting young artistes in Kwekwe.
“As for Obed, he also came to me and asked for assistance because he wanted to venture into the music industry. “As a father, I saw no reason in denying him the opportunity and again I took him for tutorials. I taught him how to play the guitar and how to rhyme songs with instruments.”
Mudhindo added: “It is as if I have only assisted Peter and Obed that these people are criticising me for, but the fact is I have assisted dozens of other musicians in Kwekwe who sought my services.”
The musician, who at one time was said to have quit music to drive trucks, said a large chunk of dancers in bands in Kwekwe and at Utakataka Express came through his mentorship.
“Most of the dancers who are working with Peter came through my mentorship where I taught them some of the basics in music,” he said.
“There are some successful musicians whom I have assisted, but just because they were not the sons of known musicians, no one speaks about it.”
Mudhindo said he was popular with his brand and fans still loved his music.
“I am doing well here in South Africa and I am actually doing other things besides music and things are going on well,” he said.
“People love my music and those who follow my programmes know that everything is going on smoothly.”
Last month, Mudhindo was in Kwekwe where he performed alongside Obed in Mbizo launching the single Dzinza Rinokosha.
He said he would continue helping upcoming musicians should they seek assistance from him. “I will continue assisting other musicians who need my help no matter what people may think or say about me,” he said.
