Zimpapers Logo

Entertainment Reporter
A number of local dancehall artistes will converge at the Harare Gardens on October 5 to honour the late sungura musician Tongai “Dhewa” Moyo with a new Zimdancehall rhythm that will become known as “Dhewa Riddim”.Riddim maker of the moment PTK (real name Michael Murimbi) is working on the new beat that will incorporate most of the popular dancehall artists.

PTK said they had decided to come up with the riddim to celebrate a great musician who came before them.

“Dhewa did his part and we now have a new crop of young musicians bringing a new wave in the industry. However, always have to honour those who came before us because they made a way for us although they played different genres. The music industry is the same and those who succeed deserve hounour,” said PTK.

Musicians that are expected to adopt “Dhewa Riddim” include Tocky Vibes, Soul Jah Love, Shinsoman, Seh Kalaz and Ricky Fire. The launch of the riddim will coincide with a commemorative gig for the late sungura musician that will bring together musicians from various genres.

A number of sungura and rhumba musicians as well as two foreign artistes are expected to perform at the “Dhewa Commemoration” show. Dhewa died on October 15 2011 and his commemoration gig has become an annual event. His son Peter “Young Igwe” Moyo said he is humbled by Zimdancehall musicians’ gesture.

“It is good to know that many people still honour my father with such great gestures. I am humbled and I want to thank everyone who will take part at the show for standing with me,” said Moyo.

“Losing my father was a huge blow and taking over his work was a challenging task but I am happy there are so many people that have supported me. I thank everyone that has supported this work and I say to our fans come lets’ celebrate Dhewa’s life and work together.”
Organisers of the show said they were happy this year’s edition of the commemorative gig would bring together musicians from various genres.

“It is good to have dancehall artistes coming together to create a riddim that is dedicated to a sungura musician. Dancehall and sungura musicians do not have a strong relationship yet but this move is a positive development in building a strong bridge between the two genres,” said one of the organisers.