The ManicaPost
Moffat Mungazi Weekender Correspondent
FOR seasoned musician Hosiah Chipanga the infrequency in staging live shows might have slowed him down, but he still remains in motion among the music traffic and on the right lane of his career.
Presented with an opportunity last Saturday for revelers to eat out of the palm of his hand at Makadzange Leisure Centre just outside Mutare in the Zimunya area, Chipanga did not disappoint as he was at his usual dazzling best. The yesteryear great put up a polished act — whose set comprised largely his oldies — before a sizeable and appreciative crowd as he shared the stage with gifted fast-rising local outfit Hungwe Stars who are making significant inroads in penetrating the market.
And if that sold-out gig is anything to go by then the “Vatsigiri Vangu” composer still commands a good following as revellers danced the night away, singing along to his golden oldies.
Rubber-stamping his legendary status, many among the multitude that thronged the venue had murmurs of approval playing on their lips as they acknowledged how still good Chipanga is. Put imply, they endorsed him as a major player still looming large in the music game.
Even his host on the night Peter Makadzange sees value in continued engagement with the revered veteran artiste.
“Musicians like Hosiah Chipanga are one of our own, living legends that deserve both respect and support. We enjoy a good working relationship with him and will continue booking his band for shows here because he remains in huge demand with our patrons who always thoroughly enjoy his performances. The man has proved that he is a popular musician not only in and around Mutare but across the entire country and is still good at what he does,” enthused Makadzange.
In a post-performance interview with The Weekender, the Vaparidzi Veshoko front man quashed reports in some sections of the media that he had thrown the microphone down and quit music as misleading. Chipanga set the record straight that he still remains musically active although he has diversified into farming.
“Music is my life and I still have the vibe, going even stronger. Music is an innate part of me and stopping would be tantamount to running away from myself. There is still so much to offer that I cannot afford to retire; I would never leave this arena where I have earned a name. This is my nature and everything that comes naturally follows one until the end of their time here on earth,” asserted the affable vocalist, joking that even if he were to drop dead today he would promptly return to life during the funeral and do another impromptu song before finally resting.
Chipanga conceded that holding live shows had become less regular for him and subsequently limited his public appearances. He, however, highlighted that the setback must never be misconstrued as him chickening out of showbiz.
“Just like a lot of other enterprises elsewhere in the country that have been facing viability challenges due to the economic downturn, the music business has also been affected and suffered in a lot of ways; especially staging gigs. Piracy has also not helped matters that some musicians have retreated into their shells and turned to alternative means for survival.
“In my case, I had to supplement my living with subsistence farming which I am practicing at my farm plot in Watsomba. This has seen me juggling that together with music since I have a family to look after and other responsibilities to take of. I am happy and comfortable with this arrangement. Again, music remains a big part of me; with loads of more songs in the offing. In fact, I consider myself just getting started and setting out on this path because music is a lifelong journey for me,” the singer-turned-politician said, adding, “Having other commitments and being involved in other ventures elsewhere does not necessarily mean that I am out of the game but just trying my hand at other things. Hosiah Chipanga and Vaparidzi Veshoko are always readily available and ready to play at any function, be it public or private.”
Having given exactly four decades of his life to the industry, releasing his first single “Dai Ndakaziwa” in 1979, the 67-year-old underscored that quitting music would be akin to shortchanging the constituency — music fans in general — that he has diligently served over the years.
And for good measure, the “Pfuma Huru Panyika” hit maker has a new offering out for market consumption. “Baba Johanne” is Chipanga’s latest release and was done at Metro Studios. It carries six tracks namely the title track, “Gumi Remitemo”, “Nguwa Yakwana”, “Nyadenga”, Canaan and Chipanga Chiparure.
It becomes the 28th career album under his belt.
