The Sunday Mail
Prince Mushawevato
“THERE is no such thing as bad publicity.”
Forgotten sungura singer Paradzai Mesi can probably relate to this adage, if recent trends are anything to go by.
It appears promoters and the media are currently scrambling for a moment with the gifted musician for gigs and interviews.
Actually, there is renewed interest in the composer and singer’s brand following his highly publicised Glendale scandal in which the “Hupenyu Madzoro” singer was arrested for allegedly stealing groceries.
The charges were later dropped.
However, since then, Mesi has performed for sizeable crowds in Chitungwiza and Harare.
He has even featured on one of the country’s hot radio programmes, “On the Spot”, which is hosted on Star FM by the charismatic DJ Ollah 7 (born Owen Madondo).
It does not end there.
Enquiries are coming quick and fast from as far as Kariba, Mutoko and Mutare, and several shows have been lined up throughout the country.
This Saturday, May 20, he is expected to perform at Padziva, an outdoor leisure centre in Dzivaresekwa, alongside Jiti singer Baba Harare.
“I am charmed by the love the people of Zimbabwe are showing me. They know I am not a thief. What happened is unfortunate. I am promising them the best from me. I am going to reciprocate the love. They have played their part and it is my turn to pay back,” said Mesi.
The musician had literally sunk into oblivion, a situation that was worsened by the global Covid-19 pandemic.
But Mesi is not a pushover in the music industry.
This is one guy who, for a moment, managed to divert attention from the Tongai “Dhewa” Moyo and Alick “Baba Sharo” Macheso feud at its height around 2006.
Dhewa was armed with a fresh album “Naye” that carries masterworks “Nemumvura Mese”, better known as “Naye”; “Muchina Muhombe”; and “Ganda Remvura”.Conversely, the sungura king, Macheso, was defending his turf with a 2005 production “Vapupuri Pupurai” that has hits “Teererai” and “Amakhebhoyi” before later on dropping “Ndezvashe-Eh”.
However, the then little-known Mesi managed to capture attention after his project “Zviri Pachena”, coming after “Zaru”, got a favourable reception from music aficionados.
He further released “Goneso” and “Masimba Towedzera”, which led many to temporarily start believing Macheso had his match.
Very little differentiates Macheso and Mesi’s music, which has led many to wrongly conclude that the Njerama Boys frontman is a former Orchestra Mberikwazvo member.
“Stories that I was into drugs are all false. Yes, I drink but do not take drugs. My career took a serious knock at the onset of Covid-19.
“However, I am glad things are changing for the better for me. Those who missed my shows in the past week can come to Padziva on May 20 to witness a rejuvenated me,” said Mesi.
The ball is now in the singer’s court.
It is not often that musicians get a second chance to redeem themselves after bungling up. Mesi needs to capitalise on the momentum and get his career back on track.
The composer and singer, who is affectionately known as Papa Para, reckons he has everything under control.
He is working on a new album that he feels will work the magic for him.
The sungura singer has received tremendous support from fellow musician Mudiwa Hood — who bought groceries, clothes and secured a decent accommodation for him in Harare.
Music promoter and Padziva show organiser Benjamin “Benji” Nyandoro reckons keeping Mesi busy is the best way to keep him out of trouble.
“I believe in the call that we need to keep Paradzai (Mesi) occupied. I am joining that call and adding to many other platforms, the opportunity for Mesi to focus on what he knows best — music.
“He is a great musician and with our support, I believe he will remain focused and take care of his beautiful family,” said Nyandoro.
Nyandoro added that he was in the process of revamping the Dzivaresekwa venue to make it more conducive for bigger events.
“We took a business decision to build a permanent stage with all the facilities that make it convenient for an artiste to perform at Padziva.
‘‘This will enable us to work with more artistes, creating a mutual benefit.
“We had our fair share of teething experiences at our first event, when we hosted rhumba crooner Juntal. However, we are growing in that new territory and believe we are improving with every event that we host,” he said.
After the forthcoming Mesi and Baba Harare show, Padziva intends to host Alick Macheso, Jah Prayzah, Suluman Chimbetu and Winky D.
