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ENERGY_MUTODI

Arts Correspondent
Peter Moyo has backtracked on his decision to re-engage Shiga Shiga because he has found that the chanter has a five-year contract with Energy Mutodi. The presence of Shiga Shiga (real name Gift Katulika) when Peter Moyo performed at the Inauguration Fiesta last Thursday and his utterances later that “Shiga Shiga adzoka kumusha kwaakaberekerwa” was received by wild cheers from the crowd.

Peter went on to perform with Shiga Shiga in Bulawayo. However, the insistence by Energy Mutodi that Shiga Shiga has a contract with Mutodi Express has forced the Young Igwe to perform a U-turn.

“As far as I am concerned, Shiga Shiga is still part of Mutodi Express. He signed a five-year contract with us,” said Mutodi.
Mutodi said he had no problem with Shiga Shiga working with other artistes as long as he was full-time at his band.

“He can feature at shows or collaborate with other artistes because in music we call it Jazzman, but he is still part of the band,” he said.
The musician-cum-businessman said contrary to claims by Shiga Shiga that the band was not being paid because they were not holding shows, he made sure that band members were getting their salaries.

“They were getting their salaries, so I don’t know where all that is coming from,” he said.
Mutodi has one of the biggest bands in the country with more than 25 people.

However, a band member with Utakataka Express said Peter wanted Shiga Shiga to return, but his running contract with Mutodi was the stumbling block.

“Young Igwe really wanted to work with Shiga Shiga. We were all surprised to see him on stage on Thursday at National Sports Stadium, but when he discussed with him the issue of his contract, that is when he changed his mind,” said the band member.

Shiga Shiga, who ruled out getting back to Utakataka Express a year ago when he joined Mutodi, seemed to have been forced by circumstances to search for greener pastures.

“Like I have said before, it’s not about me. I work for my family and if I don’t get money, they will starve.
“At any given time I have to make sure that my family is well looked after and that I can afford to live a decent life,” said Shiga Shiga.

“When I feel my livelihood is under threat, I always look for other available options. I cannot afford to stick to someone just for the sake of it,” he was quoted in the media as saying.

“I have three children, all of school-going age, and I believe this is the time for me to improve myself and in the process better the lives of my family. This is common sense,” said Shiga Shiga.