Storm is over, says Dhewa’s bossom buddy Mutosvori

Late Sungura Maestro Tongai Moyo

Barmet Mutosvori, one of the late Tongai Moyo's key allies, says he is happy that the storm that once hit Utakataka Express is over. Squabbles had threatened to tear apart the band following the burial of Moyo at Sesombe Village in Zhombe last month.There were those who felt Knowledge Chosa, a family member, should lead the group while the band members sided with Peter Moyo, the late singer's son.

Others felt the late Dhewa's close buddies - Peter "Pedro" Phiri and Mutosvori - had no business in the affairs of the band although the two distanced themselves saying they were only there to assist the family during the bereavement. Speaking from his base in Kwekwe, Mutosvori, who was often referred to as "Bhudhi" by the late Dhewa, opened up saying the band was now at full throttle.

"There have been reports of squabbles after the burial but those were just teething problems. For the record and as friends of the late Tongai, we just had to be there to support the family and not to take over the band.

"If I were to show you the last text Tongai sent me before he died you would appreciate how much he wanted his legacy to continue and that's all we want. "The situation has normalised and the band and the family are now back in business. We are happy everything is going on smoothly and Utakataka Express is now operating at full throttle," he said.

Mutosvori is the man who was referred to as "Bhudhi" by the late Dhewa and the song "Masimba" taken off his latest release "Toita Basa" and it (song) was actually dedicated to him. "We were the best of buddies and he (Tongai) would relate to me like his own brother, that is why he used to call me Bhudhi and together we were one big happy family," he said. The Utakataka Express has so far held several sold-out shows in and out of Harare with Peter easily fitting into his late father's big shoes. 

Those who have attended his live shows will admit that the young "Dhewa" or "Igwee" was a fast learner and it appears the future looks bright for Utakataka Express. (Culled from Herald)