Dhewa annual commemoration tomorrow

The impact that the late Kwekwe-based sungura ace, Tongai Moyo, left on the entertainment scene continues to be testified through tributes by living artists who lived to share the golden moments with the Naye singer before he succumbed to Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma on October 11 2011. Posthumously, Dhewa, as he was affectionately known by the legion of Utakataka fans, has continued to receive recognition, two years after he passed on.Tomorrow Mbizo Stadium is expected to reverberate in song and dance as artists drawn from across the entertainment scene are set to converge the entertainment facility to commemorate the second year since Dhewa — known by a host of other names such as Murozvi Mukuru, Igwe, Bvumavaranda and Mopao Mokotsi, amongst a host of other names- passed away. Botswana’s Naledi Kaisara, better known in entertainment circles as Slizer will grace the show for the second year running.
The heir apparent to the Utakataka throne, Peter, the late Dhewa’s son said the annual commemorations have acted as a platform for his ensemble to create a mutual bond with other musical groups. The Young Igwe, as Peter is affectionately known, also said the Kwekwe gig is the first of the three other concerts — one slated for Saturday in Harare while the Chinhoyi gig, penciled for Sunday, will wrap up the commemoration shows.
“This commemoration is like any other show and it is a way of showing a special honour to my late father who has left an incredible mark in the music industry. This, in a way, will cement Utakataka Express’ relations with fans and other musical groups who will partnering us as we take time to remember mudhara (Tongai Moyo),” said the Young Igwe in an interview last week.

Utakataka Express band manager, Suko Dube revealed in an interview that preparations for the annual gig were now at an advanced stage adding that they expect a high turnout during this year’s event which will also be graced by legendary Lovemore Majaivana’s son, Randal Majaivana and renowned basist and former Utakataka member, Ronnie Mudhindo who now leads his own Orchestra Vazvamburi.
Promoters of the Kwekwe Show, Gulez Promotions have also revealed that a number of local musicians will also be part of this year’s gig.

“We want to make it an enticing event and Slizer, who caused a stampede in last year’s commemorations at Baghdad, will definitely bring the house down with her sensational dancing skills and other local urban groovers are also set to grace the occasion,” Happy Muchoto of Gulez Promotions said.