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Tawanda Marwizi Arts Correspondent
Comedian-cum-musician Freddy “Kapfupi” Manjalima is slowly losing ground to a new breed of comedians that include actors Sabhuku Vharazipi and Mabla 10. Kapfupi recently released his comedy “Wrong Bag”, but it failed to make an impact on the market unlike his previous works such as “What Goes Around Comes Around” and “Dindingwe Rinonaka Richakweva Rimwe”.

Yesterday the musician blamed pirates for his waning popularity saying a version of “Wrong Bag” that was sold on the streets was not the final production.

He said the half-baked comedy leaked before they finished the production process.

“I will do a follow-up comedy but I can tell people that the wrong version of ‘Wrong Bag’ was sold because of piracy.

“It affected our production and plans because very few people got the finished product,” said Kapfupi.

However, Kapfupi says he does not feel challenged by the rise of new comedians because he believes the genre needs more artistes.

“It is not about losing popularity to others. It is about the growth of the industry. I am ready to work with anyone who gets into the industry for the growth of the genre.”

Kapfupi rose to fame with his hilarious productions before venturing into music which he mixes with comical acts.

Songs like “Mai Nga” propelled the comedian to another level because of the comic lyrics he used.

The failure of “Wrong Bag”, has coincided with a decline in popularity of the comedian’s music and new comedians seem determined to take over.

Comedians David “Sabhuku Vharazipi” Mubaiwa and Lloyd “Mabla 10” Kurima are gaining ground with their productions doing well on the local market.

Sabhuku Vharazipi has become popular with a number of musicians courting him to work on their videos.

“Bag Rabvaruka” done by Mabla 10 became the latest production to feature sungura ace Alick Macheso and Peter Moyo among other artistes.

Meanwhile Kapfupi said he is putting final touches to his upcoming album that will feature Ronnie Mudhindo.