More Utakataka exodus to Mutodi’s band

Peter Moyo and Alick Macheso

Two Utakataka Express band members are reportedly about to leave the Kwekwe-based outfit to join Energy Mutodi’s Real Sounds of Africa. Drummer Gaison Sixpence and the lead guitarist only identified as Archford are set to follow their former colleagues Shiga Shiga and bassist Spencer Khumbulani.

Sources say the two have been promised hefty packages that include a Toyota Mark II for Sixpence while the package of the lead guitarist still has to be verified. Speaking to the Daily News Utakataka Express band manager Suko Shoko confirmed the development.

“Rumours are saying Mutodi wanted to take the whole band. Most of our band members were reportedly called on trials to Mutodi’s outfit but some members like Lawrence Siziba turned down the offer,” Shoko said. Shoko said Utakataka band was not worried about what is happening at the moment but they would continue to forge ahead. “Even if Mutodi sweep or eliminate all Tongai Moyo’s original members, we will continue to recruit new members and we assure our loyal fans that the band will remain intact,” said Shoko.

Asked to comment Mutodi said he is not aware of the development. “I only know those we signed a contract with, Shiga Shiga and Spencer. Actually I do not know these guys you are talking about,” said Mutodi. Simbi Yamdhara hit-maker said maybe the two are being lured by their former colleagues Shiga and Spencer.

He said a number of artists attend his rehearsals and these two might also have attended unknown to him.

Utakataka Express front man Peter “Young Igwe” Moyo said he will comment after the departure of the two. “We will talk when they go,” said Moyo. Sources said the two are expected to commence work after two weeks.

“Mutodi wants to eliminate Utakataka Express so that he can fit well in the big five (top five of musicians in the country). We heard that he wanted to form a parallel sungura outfit so he is aiming to invade big names,” said the source. Efforts made by the Daily News in trying to get a comment from Sixpence were fruitless as the drummer is said to have no mobile phone at the moment.

Shiga and Khumbulani were the first to leave the Utakataka Express to join high spending Mutodi and their packages included a Mercedes Benz vehicle for Shiga and Toyota Mark II for Khumbulani. Recently sungura icon Alick Macheso condemned the movement of band members from the Utakataka as betrayal to the band.

“When Dhewa was sick, he sacrificed his health to hold live concerts for the benefit of his band members but now the same members are leaving the inexperienced Peter to go it alone,” said Macheso at his recent City Sports Bar concert which he shared the stage with Peter and Tryson Chimbetu. Macheso promised to stand by Peter during his trying times. (Dailynews)