The Sunday Mail
THE cracks and nooks of anything are better known by original creators who gave or helped give birth to the product.
And the original members of the Utakataka Express, who are back in the fold after abandoning ship with the demise of founder Tongai Moyo or simply “Igwe” have breathed a new lease of life to the outfit.
The Utakataka Express engine raves have significantly gone up with the return of energetic chanter Gift “Shiga Shiga” Katulika, drummer Guyson Sixpense, guitarists Spencer Khumbulani and Saviours Karikodzi, the key pillars even during the days of the inimitable Igwe.
Fronted by Peter Moyo, son to the late Tongai, the flamboyant Kwekwe-based outfit now appears set to reclaim its top spot among the country’s crème de la crème.
Riding high on their recently released “Mushonga Mukuru” DVD album, the once staggering Utakataka Express has finally stabilised.
Unfortunately the development is known only to loyal Utakataka fans and a few arts enthusiasts.
Many still have a vision of a struggling Peter who found it difficult to go through even a single track of his fathers’ compositions, but that is no longer the case.
The gradual transformation of his work from the day he took over the reins at Utakataka indicates that the young lad has been working extra hours.
Everything within the band now appears to have reverted to what it used to be during the days of Murozvi Mukuru, another moniker for Tongai.
Young Igwe, as Peter is popularly known, has managed to up his game. His once galling vocals, though not yet perfect are now in sync, thanks to vocal training lessons that he undertook through the help of Pastor Charles Charamba.
And the exploits of his attack line/dancers (arguably the best in the country) led by Tendai “Yamathele” Chapatarongo cannot be underestimated.
In an interview, Peter said he was happy with the return of the guys that had left.
Moral, he said, was high in the camp and good times were beginning to roll.
“There is a good mood within the band at the moment following the return of the senior guys.
“Everyone is putting their all in a bid to lift the group’s standards. Utakataka is a big brand that deserves to be at the top,” he said.
Market watchers have, however, been questioning if the re-union will last. They argue that the conditions the so-called “original members” ran away from have not changed.
Shiga, Spencer, and Sixpense left the then teething Peter for Mutodi Express fronted by businessman-cum-musician Energy Mutodi citing irreconcilable differences with the Young Igwe.
The critics further note that a bloated band might prove difficult for Peter to manage in the long run.
For instance, during live shows, Shiga appears to tussle for the microphone with Yamathele who doubled as a backing vocalist and chanter following Shiga’s departure.
“Of course we had our differences but that is now a thing of the past. Following the re-union, we have since agreed this time around to work collectively through thick and thin so that we lift the Utakataka brand back to where it used to be.
“Problems will be solved amicably and fans have since given thumps up to what we are doing,” said Peter.
So thrilled and secure is the Young Igwe that he has already started sampling new songs from his forthcoming album.
“With this mood, I can guarantee you that we are going to produce a new album next year.
“We are already playing some of the songs to be featured on the project during our live shows.
“With this well-oiled machine, I don’t think it will be a challenge,” added Peter.
One of the former deserters, Shiga, further added that the past was now behind them and the main objective was for Utakataka to deliver the best for fans.
“I listened to what our fans have been requesting.
“This is what they wanted and I had no problem in following their command since my heart also belongs to Utakataka.
“I will do my best to make sure that the group rises to the pinnacle of the music charts and let it be known that I’m around to stay,” he said.
Band members promised to be loyal to Peter.
“We all make mistakes in life but the good thing is Peter has forgiven us.
“I can assure our fans that Utakataka will never be the same again. This time around we will not waver,” said Karikodzi.
The “prodigal sons” joined talented and loyal guitarists in the mold of Willard Loti and Evidence Taburuka aka Baba Gari who kept Utakataka afloat during trying times.
Meanwhile, fans have been complaining that they are finding it hard to secure copies of Young Igwe’s latest DVD album on the formal market.
The video album is not available in music stores and is only being sold during Utakataka live shows.
The scenario has helped boost sales for pirate music vendors.
The DVD album titled “Mushonga Mukuru” features “Ndiro Yababa” a song that was done by Tongai on his last offering “Toita Basa”. The other songs are “Pasirino”, “Tutsotso”, “Konzi” and “Mira Newako” all on Peters’ debut production.
