Dhewa Dismisses Rumours
SUNGURA musician Tongai Moyo has dismissed talk that his song Maths, which will feature in his forthcoming album, was targeted at fellow sungura musician, First Farai.
Some of Tongai’s followers and other sungura lovers had been wondering whether the song was the first shot in another war in the popular genre.
In the song, Tongai Moyo asserts, “Dhewa vane Maths yavo . . . vamwe vakaitevedzera zvikaramba . . . vamwe vakaizama zvikaita,” barbs which some fans have concluded could be a veiled attack on copycats.
Sungura music has been characterised by verbal wars between its leading exponents, notably Alick Macheso and Tongai.
Tongai says the song is directed at those who follow in other people’s footsteps only to falter at a later stage or fall by the wayside when the going gets tough.
Dhewa is, however, full of praise for those who have followed in the footsteps of their heroes and went on to prove their mettle.
“When I composed the song Maths that will feature on my next album, I was not attacking anyone. Contrary to popular belief, the song is meant to encourage people to pursue their dreams unwaveringly.
“In all we do we learn from other people but some also do not appreciate other people’s work - such is life,” said the Kwekwe-based sungura artiste, who in his early days, was accused of imitating the legendary Leonard Dembo.
Tongai did admit, however, when he sings about some people of using Dhewa’s Maths as a stepping stone to success he was actually referring to First Farai.
“First Farai has openly admitted that he learns from my music, he followed it and he is starting to get shows and his fan base is beginning to swell,” said Tongai.
Tongai said he had also mentioned gold panners and mahwindi in the song to encourage them to be focused in whatever they do.
First Farai said he did not find anything offensive in the song, adding that there was no beef between him and Dhewa.
“Tongai is like a brother to me. He has helped me to reach where I am today and I admire his music.
“The song Maths is an encouragement for people to play their cards right. Tongai certainly wouldn’t compose a song to attack me — he is my mentor. He is actually proud of that because I am his product,” said First Farai.
Via The Herald
