The ManicaPost
WHEN one reaches a point of no return, online sources states that this is a point beyond which one must continue on current course of action because turning back is physically impossible, prohibitively expensive or dangerous.
This is precisely the point budding Zim dancehall chanter, Robert Tondoya, affectionately known as Tony D, has reached, albeit musically. In an interview recently, he revealed that he had reached a critical point which required irrevocable commitment and dedication to preaching through music. He recently released four soulful singles which he believes will scale his career to unprecedented levels.
The songs are One more time featuring TL Zee (Royalty riddim produced by Nox and Ice n Roses), Awuya wuya, Nginde nginde, Zororai and Vaindishuvurira mhepo. One more time is a well-crafted song where the singer pleads with his adorable lovebird to forgive him after inflicting unbearable pain through infidelity, dishonesty and trickery.
The singer asks for one last chance. On Nginde nginde, Tony D exhibits his artistic prowess through rhyme and unique arrangement of words. His lyrics are powerful. It is a danceable tune with heavy bassline and it will make party animals go wild.
The song, Awuya wuya, produced by Dr Clarence is a potential blockbuster. Tondoya dreams dating an eloquent and exquisite blonde whose sumptuous lips and dazzling eyes are a marvel to watch. He adorably loves the girl even though he hasn’t met her. He will be welcoming the new “angel” in his life though in his dreams. “It’s high time you come to me and stay with the dancehall greatest . . .” goes part of the lyrics. He, however, could not divulge, in an interview, if the song is inspired by his current situation. “It is work of art. Yes we all need soul mates but this song is not based on a true story,” said the Gweru-born musician.
He dedicated the song, Zororai to his late father and former Mutare Boys High School head, Mathew Tondoya who breathed his last in 2015. It was produced by the country’s arguably best producer, Oskid.
“I will be celebrating the life we spent together. As an individual and as a family, we will always miss him. He is irreplaceable,” he said.
Typical of most Zim dancehall artistes, who communicate with their enemies through song, Tony D carved a controversial song called Vaindishuvira mhepo where he scoffed at rumours that he at some time contemplated committing suicide. The rumour spread like veld fire especially in the sprawling suburb of Dangamvura where most of his fans hail from. It only turned out to be a hoax and the singer, interestingly, physically met the person who fuelled the rumour who later apologised.
“I believe I have reached that point where I cannot look or move backwards. I told myself after recording these singles that I had to look forward and prove to the world what I can offer. I will launch a full album in April and will do promotional shows across the country. I will soon introduce my new manager to my fans. This year is going to be a year of enormous transformation for me as I aim to improve my brand,” said the husky-voiced chanter.
