Taruvinga Manjokoto, aka Shuga Shuga, has joined the club of musicians who have tried to earn a living by singing Zanu PF praise songs.
The artist recently released his third album, Moda Kuti Ndiite Sei, which has been receiving favourable airplay on State-controlled radio.
After he stormed onto the sungura market with his song Mairosi, many were convinced he was going to be another success story on the local music scene.
Shuga Shuga seemed to provide the missing link for old timers who likened his voice to that of the late Ketayi Muchawaya.
Two years after the release of Mairosi he returned with another album Kuchema Nekunakirwa, but failed to make a similar impact.
A year later, he is back with Moda Kuti Ndiite Sei. The five-track album is causing ripples on the market, but it is difficult to ignore the obvious political influence.
On the first track Nditungamirirei, he seeks divine intervention in his work and prays to God to bless other people’s works.
He praises Information minister Webster Shamu and business tycoon Philip Chiyangwa referring to them as “best friends” of his music industry.
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On the second track Nyikayedu he urges Zimbabwean citizens to be proud of their country because of its mineral wealth.
He goes on to pray for Chiyangwa referring to him as the “son of Gushungo”.
There is already debate that Shuga Shuga is now in the league of gospel musician Mercy Mtsvene, the late Andy Brown, Brian Taurai Mteki and others, who have recorded jingles for Zanu PF.
The third song is Musandibaisa in which Shuga Shuga urges his friends not to plot his downfall. In the remaining tracks Chibubuno and Ndoendazvangu, he explores the marriage set-up raising topical issues like women’s infidelity and irresponsible husbands.
He portrays a grave situation where a wife with a broken heart opts to go back to her parents since her husband has forsaken her and left her wallowing in hunger.
Shuga Shuga said he was not ashamed to be associated with Zanu PF.
“Minister Shamu and mudhara Chiyangwa are my elder brothers in Zanu PF,” he said.
“Everyone that I sang about on this album is from the party and I am happy they support my music.” He expressed satisfaction with the latest release saying his glory days were back.
