The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube Entertainment Correspondent
FIVE years ago, it looked like a daunting task for Potipher Mopo when he revived Zinawa and took over from where his father and yester year music guru, Mike Mopo had left.
Mike’s shoes which were very big by then are not as big anymore, The Weekender can reveal. Many would remember Mike with hits such as “Riye-Riye” and “Nherera Ndimambo”. When he left music, no-one believed in his son until after the release of “Runyararo” which contains the plug track, “Ndorerwa Nesango”. The Harare-based traditional contemporary musician marked his return with a third album titled “Ngaikwane Changamire”.
The six-track album will quickly remind many of his father’s lyrical ingenuity and vocal prowess. The title track has already become an instant hit and show promoters are jostling for a date with the budding artiste whose compositions and instrument arrangement charm many music pundits.
In an interview at a recent show at Club Mandisa, heir to the Zinawa brand, said the overwhelming response he had received from his fans was heartening. He belted Mike’s oldies such as “Dzoka Kwandiri Maria”, “Riye Riye”, “Ndiyoyi Mhuri Yangu” as well as the anthemic, “Ndorerwa Nesango”.
“It is not every artiste who took over from his father’s reigns who will make it. I, however, aspire to keep my father’s brand alive. I feel encouraged with the support that I am getting from my fans. I feel challenged to do even better. With this kind of response I am determined to go further. It’s quite inspiring that my fans believe in me and the Zinawa brand,” he said.
Mike is still alive and resides in Msasa Park in Harare. “He is no longer into music but he has been very supportive. He is such an inspiration,” he added.
The song, “Ngaikwane Changamire” is the musician’s prayer for better days. He prays for strength and God’s assistance during trials and tribulations. Other songs on the album are “Kukanya Hurangana” which encourages people to seek advice when encountering life’s numerous problems, “Moyo Wangu Wapera”, “Jenny”, “Ndadya Nemhandu” and “Ndega Mudzimbahwe”.
