HARARE Popular sungura musician Josphat Somanje has returned on the domestic scene with yet another scorcher that simply bears testimony that he is the real man behind the success of Pengaudzoke. (Pictured: Josphat Somanje proving his worth)
Pengaudzoke is the popular music group that dominated the airwaves in the 1990s with its popular hits that rocked the musical charts and many households. After enjoying a place in the sun, the group then split in 1999 following sharp differences between brothers Daiton and Josphat Somanje who were the leaders of the group.
Daiton remained with Pengaudzoke while Josphat assembled The Somanje Stars. But, today Josphat seems to be enjoying more support than his brother Daiton.
Many music pundits now believe that Josphat was the man behind the success of Pengaudzoke following the release of yet another must-have compilation CD titled Best Of Vol 1, which features various hits that made Pengaudzoke tick.
I owe my success to God. He is not a fool, He is for us all. I have encountered many problems in trying to build my image as a musician. Things were not well at Pengaudzoke with my brother. There were a lot of talking and we developed sharp differences, so I found it very wise to form my own band, said Josphat in an interview.
To show the music world that he was the real Macho Man at Pengaudzoke, Josphat has compiled greatest hits that made a mark during his days at Pengaudzoke.
Josphat who dominated the airwaves last year, with award winning song Haulume and Mukaranga, has again burst on the scene with a befitting compilation that proves his great artistry courtesy of Record and Tape Promotions.
Only in February this year, Josphat scooped two NAMA awards one for Outstanding Song (Haulume) and the other one for Outstanding Album category with the album, This Time, ruling the roost.
On the compilation album, Josphat, has become a brand and that trademark is doing well on the local music scene.
It opens with a song called Ngatironge Zvinobuda (Lets be organised) that shook the airwaves in early 1990s. The song is about a man who encourages his lover to be organized in their love affairs.
Titonganisei (Mediate) is another love song where Josphat depicts a scenario where a man invites relatives to come and mediate on the differences that are threatening to destroy the marriage between the man and his wife.
The song also made great impact on the domestic scene.
Many sungura music lovers can obviously remember the song Kushaya Mari (Being Broke) that conquered the airwaves in the late 1980s, as it became a hit in the various townships and at growth points.
In the song he sings about a poor man who is viewed as useless in the society.
Sango Remichero taken off the album of the same name is another song that proves Josphat lyrical prowess and indeed as a polished composer.
Other songs on the album include Paida, Murume Wangu (My Husband), Arindine, Shasha Yerudo (Loverboy) and Mutidaro Sei? (Why are you doing this to us?)
But it is the song Arindine, which refers to a name of a girl that is set to become the best track on the album, following the rave reviews that it is receiving at the moment.
Also special on the album is the fact that Josphat, who is regarded as person who grew up in a backward family and with a shallow educational background, managed to sing some verses in good and appealing English.
It is a love song where a man pleads to her lover (Arindine) not to let him down in his advances.
You used to be shy when I said please kiss me Arindine. I dont wanna lose you what so ever, are some of the lyrics on the potentially explosive piece.
Post published in: Music