FORMER Utakataka Express Congolese chanter Shiga Shiga (real name Gift Katulika) might be on the verge of re-joining the Peter Moyo-led Utakataka Express which he dumped to join Energy Mutodi’s Mutodi Express.
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A source close to the deal told NewsDay that the Utakataka Express front-man had been involved in negotiations with Shiga Shiga for some time. But the chanter refuted the claims.
“That is unheard of. Peter just called me today inviting me to work with him, but I told him I am now working on my solo career. Even if it was not the case, there is no way we can discuss such a matter on the phone,” Shiga Shiga said.
However, the source maintained Shiga Shiga had been talking to the Young Igwe for a long time and they had reached an agreement.
“They have been engaged in talks with the management for some time so that he can find his way back to the band and at this stage the talks appear to have been successful,” the source said.
“If everything goes well, Shiga Shiga might be part of Utakataka Express when they perform at Airport Lounge in the capital tomorrow, but is likely to play second fiddle to Yamathele who is the current chanter.”
Shiga Shiga launched his solo career with the release of an album titled Two Years Later in February.
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Although the venture has not been rosy for him, he said he would soldier on to feed his family.
“As a musician, I work to feed my family and if there is something that proves to bring the food on table for the family, definitely I will take it up,” he said, declining to say if it meant he was retracing his roots to the Kwekwe-based outfit.
The Utakataka Empire appeared to be on the verge of disintegration following the departure of the most senior members whom Peter has managed to re-engage. If Shiga Shiga rejoins the band, this will mean that the origional Utakataka Express team that catapulted the late Tongai Moyo to dizzy heights would have been remoulded.
A close Dhewa ally, Shiga Shiga’s energy and charisma on stage, coupled with Tongai’s artistry, lyrics and choreography, earned Utakataka Express numerous fans in the country and beyond the borders.
Saviours Karikodza, the bassist, Spencer Khumulani, drummer, and Guyson Sixpence have all returned to the band while lead guitarist Willard Loti has left for greener pastures in South Africa.
Peter said he was working hard to bring back the Utakataka Express glory days after misfortunes threatened the collapse of the band.
“Utakataka Express is a brand whose status I must maintain just as I inherited it from my late father,” Peter said.
