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Eriah Tembo

Tawanda Marwizi Arts Correspondent
In the yesteryear music juggle, Bhundu Boys became one of the most sought-after musical groups, but could not keep going following the death of its key members including their front man Mhosva Marasha aka Biggie Tembo.

The group made hits that sailed to the international market. Songs “Baba Munini Francis” “Simbimbino” and “Hupenyu Hwangu” are some of the yesteryear hits from the group.

Biggie Tembo left five sons and two of them — Eriya and Biggie Jnr — have vowed to take the legacy to another level. This Thursday Eriya is set to release an album “Wandinzwa” at City Sports Bar in the capital.

The musician said his father died while he was still young and he could not have an encounter with him musically. “He died while I was only 6-years-old but he encouraged us to go church mostly and I would be lying if I say he taught us anything to do with music,” he said.

He said during his last days he encouraged all his children to go to church and would teach them church hymns. “He encouraged us to go to church and during his last days he would teach us church songs and it seems he was against the idea of us taking up music,” he said.

Tembo is now signed under Munya Vhiyali stable. On the new album he has featured contemporary musician Andy Muridzo on one of the songs. “Vhiyali is one of the best producers to come from this country and I am happy to be working under his stable. I am sure the album will be accepted by the public,” he said.

His mother Esther Mbeve lives in Chinhoyi and has encouraged the young man to pursue his father’s dream. “She always encourages us to be focused and remain united in keeping our father’s legacy,” he said.

Eriya recorded his first album “Pachedu” in 2013 but it could not make impact. He also made another failed attempt “Musandishore” in 2015, but he is confident that this year’s attempt will bear fruits.

“I have tried my best to come up with songs that are good. With Vhiyali we are trying to come up with unique sounds that bring new vibe,” he said. He has a live band that will be unveiled on the day of the launch.

“Preparations for the launch are at an advanced stage and we are hopeful that people will def like it,” he said.