The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
MUTARE-BASED sungura musician, Brian ‘Samaita’ Runganga has roped in new band members and is back in the studio preparing for his eighth album due to be released in January.
The businessman-cum-musician who last released the album, Kwaive Kusaziva last year, which was a dedication to his late father, Lamerk Runganga, hinted that the album will carry six tracks.
Speaking on the sidelines of his recent show where he graced gospel artiste, Terrence Dzatsata’s album launch at Sakubva Beithall recently, Samaita said he will, just like on his previous album, stick to the barura genre.
Samaita migrated from the late sungura maestro, Tongai Moyo’s beat to the late legendary, Leonard Dembo’s beat, a move which earned him more fans and admirable recognition.
On Dzatsatsa’s album launch, he belted songs as Nemiwo Nunazvo and the late Tongai Moyo’s Zvinoita Murudo.
While veteran Utakataka Express band members, Evidence “Baba Gari” Tarabuku and Spencer Khumulani have featured on Samaita’s previous compositions, new blood has been added to the Murondatsimba Express entourage.
“Edison Machote, a versatile guitarist who was in South Africa and Augustine Malunga will feature on the new album and I am happy that they are blending well with other band members.
“The new album will consist of six or seven songs and as per our tradition they will be a gospel song. My Christian background nurtured me to praise the Lord through song. I am excited with the progress I have made so far. I also want to appreciate our fans who have stood with us through thick and thin,” said Samaita.
Samaita, who is also a lead guitarist, has been holding most of his shows mostly in Malawi, Botswana and Mozambique.
He was recently honoured with a Social Impact Award at the Corporate Social Responsibility Awards ceremony held in the city early this year.
He boasts of seven album, Ndafunga Dembo, Tsono, Murodzi Wepfungwa, Nemiwo Munazvo, Kumaziva Ndadzoka and Kwaiva Kusaziva which carries tracks such as Wandaivimba Naye, Misikidzo, Tauya Kuzomutenda and Shinga.
