The Sunday Mail
SUNGURA musician Josphat Somanje, who is generally considered a “phoenix” for his ‘‘power of rising from ashes’’, has released an album that cements the claim.
The Marondera-based musician whose career plunged two years ago has released a six-track album titled “Umbowo” whose quality is set to place him back at the summit of the music charts.
The album is currently receiving favourable airplay on radio stations, imbibing joints and has all the ingredients that saw past efforts like “This Time” and “Zvazviri” getting fans into frenzy.
Josphat has on more than a single occasion been written off due to a number of shenanigans among them sex scandals (involving infidelity and sleeping with a mental patient) and a perennial feud with his sibling – musician Daiton.
His latest release “Umbowo” comes almost two years after the talented musician released a lukewarm album titled “Tele4nic” that was a complete flop.
The 2012 project could not bail out that musician who had spent a greater part of his time in hibernation following a sex scandal.
In an interview last week the musician revealed he had no intentions of abandoning the showbiz (at least anytime soon).
But he has plans to spread the gospel through his music.
On the album, the talented composer and lead guitarist included a gospel track titled “Munesimba Muropa raJesu”.
“Quitting music has never been part of my options. I’m currently operating an electrical repairs outlet as a way to support my family since music has not been rewarding,” he said adding, “My fans should note that I’m in the process of shifting from secular to gospel music.”
“Umbowo” comes in the mould of a confession.
The otherwise shy musician dwells on issues to do with womanising and family squabbles that have continuously derailed his career, which spans more than two decades.
“People often say good things about the dead but I’m saying don’t do the same with me. I want the truth to be told as it is. On this album I’m telling the world that they should tell the truth that I had many women in my life and that affected me. The lesson will help youths make right decisions in life,” said Josphat.
The musician said he wished to regularly release new material but was limited by financial constraints. Last year his band was involved in a car accident that claimed the life of his drummer in the process destroying his instruments.
“I’m literally in the doldrums and don’t have means to market my album. It took me two years to record this project as everything was done in bits and pieces. My headache is now on how best I will get the album to my fans,” he said.
The song “Mukorekore” is already showing signs of a hit song. It is in the mould of “Haulume” and “Abigail Wangu”.
Conversely, music critics opine both Josphat and Daiton will not enjoy heyday fame unless they re-unite under the Pengaudzoke brand. Josphat has, nonetheless, been not so keen on rekindling the relationship.
“My brother and I have since addressed the challenges that were creating problems between us. We are now in good books and communicating on a daily basis. We both are running separate bands but if need be, we can record a joint project,” he said.
“Mwanangu”, “Mweya Wokuda Vakadzi”, “Darimoto Yanewone” and “That’s it” complete the album.
