Published by the government of Zimbabwe
24 April 2009
Harare — Warring sungura giants Alick Macheso and Tongai Moyo have begun testing the strengths of their upcoming albums as they concurrently sing new songs at live shows.
For the past month, the musicians have been playing unrecorded material to test audience response and do possible alterations to the songs before going to the studio.
Both artists admitted in separate interviews that they were bracing for a tough competition hence the need to perfect their songs before recording.
Even Macheso, who previously withheld unrecorded stuff for fear of copycats, has changed his stance and decided to let his fans taste raw songs.
"The songs have not been polished yet. We want to see how the audiences respond before we record and we could change the songs according to fan-response. The songs might have additions or subtractions in terms of lyrics or the beat depending on how the people respond to the samples.
"It is always important to check how the consumers think about a product before you officially present it for consumption. At the moment we are only doing two songs but we will be introducing more songs with time," said Macheso.
A song known as Chimoko Changu is proving to be very popular with fans while the other song is titled Nguva Yekutenda.
Macheso was optimistic that his album would do well but admitted that there were strong competitors aboard, which called for strict scrutiny before one could finalise a product worthy recording.
"We have to do enough groundwork because there is competition and any hurried stuff will be a waste," observed Macheso.
Many would suggest that by 'competition' Macheso is referring to Tongai, who has been following hard on his heels and even threatening to overtake in him in the Sungura race.
Tongai is also seriously marketing his upcoming album.
He has been playing new songs that include Barika and Usasare Nenguva. The songs have attracted interest among his fans but the musician has maintained that he will only release his upcoming album in 2010.
"This is a 2010 production and a new song for all of you," Tongai always states when introducing the upcoming songs.
Harare fans will once again have a chance to sample the upcoming songs when both musicians descend on the capital this weekend.
Tongai will team up with Progress Chipfumo at Stodart Hall in Mbare tomorrow night. The team is expected to first perform at Chegutu Arms tonight before landing in the capital.
Macheso will rope in the services of Freddy 'Kapfupi' Manjalima to stage three shows. The first one takes place at Glen Norah Hall tonight before the contingent moves to Magamba Hall in Warren Park tomorrow night and Queensdale Sports Club for an afternoon Family Show on Sunday.
All the shows have been organised by Notice Chigome of Frontran Promotions who said he was aiming at taking the big giants to the people this weekend.
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