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Pengaudzoke bassist goes solo

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FORMER Pengaudzoke bassist Admire Juao has released a six-track album titled Chatonona Munzira Chashinga, a project meant to revive his music career.

FORMER Pengaudzoke bassist Admire Juao has released a six-track album titled Chatonona Munzira Chashinga, a project meant to revive his music career.

BY JAIROS SAUNYAMA

Juao is one of the former Daiton and Josphat Somanje-led Pengaudzoke band members who were left stranded following the split of the once vibrant band that has since sunk into oblivion.

Speaking to Newsday Juao said that his new album is a sign that he is still interested in music despite facing massive financial problems in releasing the album.

“I was born a musician and I will die one. It is just a matter of time; I pray that my new album will perform well on the market. I faced great financial challenges but I am happy the album is finally out.

“I am no longer part of Pengaudzoke; I am my own man hence I have gone solo.

“I am still facing challenges as far as getting promoters, maybe it is because Marondera is a small town but the few shows that I am holding in and around the farms will contribute to my rise to fame. My first album did not do well but I said to myself I have to soldier on until I get to the top,” said Juao.

The album that is laden with scintillating fusion of Afro-jazz and sungura songs contains both love and social tracks.

Songs on the album include Mudzimai, Dhongi Rangu and Njiva among others.

Speaking on why and how Pengaudzoke disbanded, Juao said poor management, greediness and family matters contributed to the fall of the ensemble.

“The band collapsed because of poor management. The leaders (Josphat and Daiton) failed to handle monetary issues well. Moreover, their feud is within their family and because of that they failed to work together,” he said.

Juao joined Pengaudzoke in 1999 as a bass guitarist.

Together with the Somanjes they released the hit albums Ndinomuda Chete, Nemhaka Yei?, Usagumbuke and Haisi Nyaya.

In 2013 he released his debut album Yava Nguva Yeduzvino but did not do well on the market.

Juao has joined the likes of Patrick Jivason and Kenge Mupombera who all left Pengaudzoke to follow their music dreams.