The Sunday Mail
Prince Mushawevato
Features and Arts Editor
IT is often said you cannot have a second chance to make a first impression.
Peter Moyo, son to the late sungura great Tongai “Igwe” Moyo, currently finds himself in a serious predicament.
Since taking over from his late father in 2011, the Young Igwe has released five albums, namely “Mushonga Mukuru”, “Mabasa aMwari”, “Mopao Mokonzi”, “Mwana weMurozvi” and the latest offering, “Maricho kwaMoyo.”
Without doubt, the new album is a massive improvement compared to his previous releases.
However, there is a big possibility – or risk, if you like – that the album will only appeal to Utakataka Express hardcore fans.
Neutrals, those that do not keenly follow the singer’s work, may not even give the project a chance on rotation.
Who can blame them?
In all his previous efforts, the Young Igwe has proven beyond reasonable doubt that he is vocally ‘handicapped’.
One thing you cannot take away from his work, though, is the solid and pulsating beat that is equally enchanting during live performances.
But, remember, a good musician is one who creates a ‘healthy’ coordination between vocals and sound.
You cannot lack on one of the aspects and still expect to fly high. Never!
However, anyone who has gone through the new album can testify that there are two or three tracks out of the seven that can work magic for the Young Igwe this time around.
After all, we cannot burden him by expecting too much.
He is certainly not in the league of stars like his late father who used to effortlessly unleash hit-laden albums, talk of “Naye”, which carried songs “Muchina Muhombe”, “Ganda Remvura”, Nemumvura Mese” – better known as “Naye” – and “Handidi Navo”, among others.
Clearly, Peter has been doing his homework and is on to something.
His collaboration with jiti singer Baba Harare and Madiz on the song “Sirivhiya” is refreshing.
Yes, in the intro, the musician gets you on the edge of the seat, as you fear he will sooner rather than later sing out of tune, but he manages to stay in control.
The song reaches its climax with a change in tempo, which sees Baba Harare coming in with hypnotic lines before Madiz and maverick chanter Gift “Shiga Shiga” Katulika deliver the knock-out punch.
The easy-flowing song is in a class of its own.In another track “Rufu” featuring Freeman, the Young Igwe ups the tempo.
The highly emotional song swiftly drives one into deep thought.
The song dwells on a popular subject, death, but it is the ‘fresh’ execution that seems to be outstanding.
In fact, the two collaborations present a totally different Peter.
He should consider developing this style further. It worked when he featured on the song “Come Over” off Baba Harare’s album “Generator”.
However, from the seven-track album, one can easily notice that the musician struggles on all the songs that require a hardcore sungura touch.
A song that quickly comes to mind is “Kutaura Nedenga.”
In the track, Peter – on medium-pace vocals – uses a high-pitch tone that does not come out well. Also, he seems to run out of breath as he goes through his verses.
“Mukundi Wangu” and “Chinokanganwa iDemo” are good tracks by any measure.
However, the musician spoiled the last part of “Mukundi Wangu” by coming in with unnecessary self-praise chants in the last two minutes of the track.
That said, the album deserves attention from any serious music aficionado.
Also, it gives an insight into Peter’s thoughts with regards to his supposed feud with brother Obert Tongai Moyo Jnr, particularly on the songs “Mwana Wedangwe” and “Kutaura Nedenga.”
“…tsungirira kutarira mberi mwana wedangwe, usacheuka shure Mwari variko, nguva ichauya. Wasangana naro gomo mwana wedangwe usadududze, materu achauya,” sings Peter in “Mwana Wedangwe.”
He goes on to sing: “Chinyi chandakakutadzira chakusundaidza ukande dombo munzira mangu. Handina simba pakutonga kwenyu Ishe wangu asi dai uyu mamuraramisa, agoona kunaka kwenyu ishe…asunungura paasunga.”
Those that have been following the ‘cold war’ between Peter and Obert probably understand where this is coming from.
It is a pity the project was unleashed at a time the country and world at large are battling the raging coronavirus pandemic.
More live shows could have gone a long way in marketing the effort.
