Mutodi, Utakataka strike deal

Peter Moyo

UTAKATAKA Express band leader Peter Moyo has agreed to sell off two of his band members, Spencer Khumulani and Gift "Shiga Shiga" Katulika, to Energy Mutodi's Real Sounds of Africa in a deal set to change the face of the music industry. The deal brokered byPartson "Chipaz" Chimbodza, the president of the Music Promoters Association of Zimbabwe, sought to create a win-win situation between the two groups.

Mutodi, popularly known as Tatu Muluba, in music circles, paid an undisclosed transfer fee to Utakataka Express just like what happens in football when a player joins a new club. Speaking at a joint Press briefing, Tatu Muluba and the Young Igwee, expressed satisfaction with the deal. "The transfer of musicians is a common practice. Artistes move from one group to the other in pursuit of their dreams and that is allowed.

"However, we have decided to do things differently this time to ensure there is no bad blood between me and Peter. What happened is that the two band members sought employment from the Real Sounds of Africa.

"The first thing we did was to check whether they had been cleared and after a series of meetings we (Peter and Muluba) agreed that the two would leave their group for a certain fee which has since been paid," Tatu Muluba said.

"Artistes should not die as paupers and it is about time we professionalise the arts and this is history in the making because the artistes should now perform to their employer's expectations." The Young Igwee, who appeared overwhelmed by the gesture, said there was no bad blood between Utakataka Express and Real Sounds of Africa.

"I welcome the development with open hands and a warm heart because both groups have benefited from the deal. I can confirm that Mutodi has met part of the deal and there is more to come," he said. Asked how much he had received, the Young Igwee could not reveal the amount but only said he had got a lump sum. "The transfer was mutual and I would like to thank Chipaz for bringing us together to resolve the matter amicably." (Herald)