Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Patience Nyangove
9 February 2008
Harare — Sungura artiste Tongai Moyo has decided against quitting music, two months after suggesting that he would be taking up new challenges on his 40th birthday.
Tongai, who turns 40 next month, revealed this week that he made the announcement in a state of panic after being diagnosed with a cancer called Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Now he has gotten used to the illness and believes there is no need to quit. Tongai, who now wears a cap due to hair loss caused by the illness, said he was not going to make any videos until his hair grows back.
"I panicked that time when I issued out that statement.
"Frankly speaking when I was told by my doctor that I had cancer, I assumed I was just going to die but now that I am responding well to treatment, I will continue doing shows if I fail to do them I will still record new albums," said Tongai.
Since going public about his illness, the Kwekwe-based musician has also had to live with rumours of his death.
"I have people who like me and my music and then others who simply do not like me at all for no apparent reason," he said.
Tongai, who staged shows in Kwekwe and Kadoma last weekend, added that he would not be performing in Harare anytime soon.
He feels Harare revellers demand a 100 percent performance all the time, something he cannot guarantee at the moment due to ill health.
Tongai is currently in Harare for the monthly chemotherapy and expects to be back on his feet for shows in Gweru and Masvingo during the last two weekends of February.
"Although my health is improving I am not yet completely fit. From the way I know Hararians, they will not give me room to recuperate they would expect me to be 100 percent perfect in my performance.
"At the moment I am just not well to do that," Tongai said.
Meanwhile, Alick Macheso is set to perform at a proposed Tongai Moyo's benefit show.
In a recent interview, Macheso said he would take part in the benefit show.
Tongai's public relations manager Pliers Puraene said Macheso had confirmed to them that he would take part in the show to raise money for Tongai's medical bills. On his part, Tongai said Macheso's gesture showed unity among musicians when one of them falls on hard times.
"This is the beginning of something indeed. We are a family in music, brothers and sisters and although we might fight or have our differences it does not mean we are enemies.
"I was so happy kuti Alick considers me as a brother.
"To me it showed maturity in him and his popularity sends a good message that although we have our problems we are united.
"I also want to thank Macheso for his prayers they raised the spirits of other people and after such prayers my health improved."
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