The Sunday Mail
Prince Mushawevato —
IT appears Gift “Shiga Shiga” Katulika’s chanting prowess is no longer a preserve for Utakataka Express, considering the chanter has been rendering his enviable services to any sungura outfit in need of his magic touch.
The charismatic chanter has in recent times featured on several projects that have nothing to do with his official boss, Peter “Young Igwe” Moyo.
Shiga’s touch is on Brian Samaita’s latest and hot-selling (according to Diamond Studios) album “Kumaziva Ndadzoka” that was released late last year. Shiga features on three songs: “Ndinokutendai”, “Ndave Kuenda” and “Usatuke Mvuu”.
He also features on Gift “Case” Amuli’s brilliant offering “Masvingo”, which was released as 2016 closed.
Shiga has featured on Energy Mutodi’s albums and is understood to be working with other artistes, some outside sungura.
The development has led many Utakataka Express fans, as well as neutrals, fearing the talented Congolese will leave the band. Some feel his actions will sooner rather than later – irk Young Igwe.
The fears are justified considering that following the demise of Utakataka Express founder Tongai “Dhewa” Moyo, Shiga jumped ship only to bounce back a year or so later.
In an interview, the firebrand chanter reassured Utakataka Express fans he had no plans of parting ways with the flamboyant sungura outfit.
But why has he all of sudden developed an interest in recording with so many artistes? Is it for the love of art or simply to amass as much money as possible from the multiple piece-jobs he is undertaking?
“Recording with any other artiste does not mean I want to abandon Peter. I have been in Zimbabwe for more than 25 years and music is the only trade that has sustained me,” explained Shiga. “Collaborations are the in-thing and good for the music business.
“Besides I’m a family man and music being the only business I understand, I have to spread my wings as far as possible.
‘‘I have worked with a number of artistes some of whom I can’t even remember (giggles). As we speak, I’m currently in the studio with (Zim dancehall artiste) Shinsoman and we are going to be dropping something soon.”
Utakataka Express frontman Peter has given Shiga the nod to work with other artistes though he is visibly uncomfortable with the arrangement.
Who can blame Young Igwe for the discomfort? The set-up has potential to adversely affect his brand should it not be managed properly. Shiga’s Midas touch can easily lure fans to Peter’s rivals.
Peter is in the studio working on his third album, which according to the musician is due for release in April; and Young Igwe is aware that he needs to delicately deal with the Shiga issue.
“I certainly want Shiga’s style to be unique to my music thus I have from now henceforth decided to be directing what he sings when he is with Utakataka. I don’t want my music to be the same with that of others. Already we have started work on our new project and Shiga features heavily though not in the usual way that people have become accustomed to,” Peter remarked.
Shiga opines his actions are justified and he can help any artiste “without compromising” his boss.
“I came to Zimbabwe for culture exchange through music and that’s what I’m doing. I, together with Jonasi (Kasamba), helped Peter Tangwena record his hit song ‘Makorokoto’ some years back and I’m doing the same for others like Brian Samaita and Amuli. I just add my style to their art and Peter is not against it. Rather we have not had challenges in that aspect,” added Shiga.
Mutare-based Samaita – who ironically draws much of his inspiration from the late Dhewa – is thrilled with Shiga’s contribution.
“He features on three songs and I’m glad his contribution was significant. I’m told by our distributing company that our album ‘Kumaziva Ndadzoka’, which also features Agartha Murudzwa is doing quite well in terms of sales,” said Samaita.
Weighed in Amuli: “We did not have much time to work together but I’m more than happy and convinced with their input on my project.
‘‘I don’t wish to blow my own trumpet but I feel my album ‘Masvingo’ ranks top among 2016 productions.”
Amuli’s album “Masvingo” features Shiga on the title song and Andy Muridzo on “Mariyawanda”.
