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Arts Correspondents
Artists who attended the launch of Charles and Olivia Charamba’s 13th album “WeNazareta” on Wednesday at Ster-Kinerko had no kind words for the musician’s copycats.
Upcoming musician Trymore Bande released an album that was mistaken for Charamba’s release because of the similarities on both instruments and vocals.

Theories suggested that Bande took advantage of the “Machira Chete” hitmaker’s four year sabbatical from the studio to come up a ‘copycat’ album.

Somandla Ndebele said it was bad for artists to be copycats and urged them to be original.

“There is a musician who was mistaken for Charamba because of the way he produced his music, it is very bad and artists must stop this and be original,” said Ndebele.

Lead guitarist and producer Clive “Mono” Mkundu blasted the “fake Charamba” for taking advantage of the time the gospel couple took without an album to release a project similar to theirs.

Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe deputy president Reverend Titus Murefu said if a person is blessed by God with a gift no one can take it away from him even if they imitate.

The launch was officiated by Information and Communication Technology, and Postal and Courier Services Minister, Webster Shamu who was representing Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Walter Mzembi.

Other dignitaries who attended the event were MP Nelson Chamisa, National Arts Council director Elvas Mari and his deputy Nicholas Moyo and Rebecca Chisamba.

Several musicians including Oliver Mtukudzi and wife Daisy, Alick Macheso, Mechanic Manyeruke, Leonard Zhakata, Peter Moyo, Jah Prayzah, Fungisai Zvakavapano, Joyce Simeti and Mathias Mhere among others also attended the event.

In his speech Minister Shamu said the album shows maturity as the musician sang in many languages.

“This album is a clear sign that he is now a holder of a degree in music as he has added different flavours to his music,” he said.