Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Trust Khosa
7 June 2008
Harare — Tongai Moyo has shut the door on Innocent Mjintu, amid reports that the talented rhythm guitarist has been lobbying some promoters to convince the Utakataka Express boss to create a role for him.
Mjintu, once played for the late Leonard Dembo's Barura Express but became a more prominent guitarist under Alick Macheso, has kept a low profile since leaving Orchestra Mberikwazvo and forming his group early last year.
Now there have been reports that he is contemplating ditching his backing group, ZARE Express, to become possibly a band member for Tongai Moyo. The reports suggest that Mjintu was shy to approach Tongai in person and decided to engage music show promoters to facilitate and fast track the negotiations. Unfortunately, Tongai feels there is no room for Mjintu at his band adding that he is also very good with the rhythm guitar, which makes three "quality" rhythm guitarists at Utakataka Express already. The other challenge for Tongai was that he felt it would be a problem in the long-term for Mjintu to remain a loyal band member when he has been a band leader elsewhere. "Can you believe this. Mjintu wants to join us. He has been negotiating through some promoters (names supplied) in the past weeks to join us.
"But we have since convened a meeting with the rest of the boys here in Kwekwe and there is no vacancy for Mjintu at the moment. "Besides that, once a leader always a leader. I also feel that Mjintu might give us problems in the long run if we engage him. But that is not the reason for turning away his appeal. "But the issue here is not really about leadership but the prosperity of my band and that of Mjintu's. What will I get if I recruit him while his band disbands? "At the moment, I have two rhythm guitarists and I have a lot of faith in them. "Personally, I can also play the rhythm and whenever I want to introduce something new, I can always illustrate it myself. After all, my boys have garnered a lot of experiences over the years."
He further pointed out that if Mjintu was broke, they could find other means of assisting him and his band rather than taking the guitarist on board. "Of late, we have been holding some shows of our own and if Mjintu wants money, we can work out something with him where he features in as a supporting act during our shows
"By so doing, we will be helping him and his band. Mjintu should also have his band members at heart through thick and thin because they will be looking forward to him for livelihood. "As artistes, we all fall on hard times. But, it's important to
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