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Ringo

Entertainment Reporter
It’s all system go at the “Thank You Zimbabwe” gig tonight slated for Andy Millar Hall at the Exhibition Park featuring South African Ringo Madlingozi, Oliver Mtukudzi, Winky D and Jah Prayzah. The high-octane gig promises a lot of thrills and easily passes as the “Show of the Week” considering the musicians in the line-up.

Music lovers should be on the lookout for surprises from Mtukudzi and Ringo whose duet on “Into Yam” remains a classic.
Ringo, whose songs are mostly centred on love, is not a stranger to Zimbabwean audiences. He has been to Harare on a number of occasions where he partnered Mtukudzi on stage.

He has never flopped in Harare and whenever he returns to the Sunshine City, it is like a homecoming show since he views Zimbabwe as his second home while he also calls Tuku, the granddad of music his elder brother.

Ringo, however, is no newcomer to the music scene, and has persevered through a succession of bands and session work which has had him recording with artistes as diverse as Hugh Masekela, Simply Red, Teddy Pendergrass (The Power of One) and Caiphus Semenya, as well as for the movie “The Lion King”.

According to music.org, Ringo was musically active from a young age and while at school, he led an acapella group which performed at community and youth functions.

“He later became vocalist for the group Ikwezi, but he later fronted for the band Peto, that his unique vocal talents were first recognised nationally.

“Peto won the national ‘Shell Road to Fame’ talent competition in 1986 and this brought the band and Ringo national exposure, with television profile, touring engagements and the role of support act for the King’s Trust concert in Swaziland which was headlined by Eric Clapton.

“Peto soon disbanded, and Ringo moved base to Johannesburg, where he spent the early 1990s as a member of Gecko Moon. During this time, he also did a lot of studio session work — for radio commercials, film, and album recordings.”

Ringo’s first album, Vukani (“Wake Up!”) was released in 1996 in the year he also served as a support act when Papa Wemba toured South Africa as part of the Reconnection Programme.

His second album, “Sondelani” (Get Closer), was released late in 1997 and with its themes of reconciliation and national unity, carried a strong message for South African people.

The album reportedly achieved Double Platinum status in sales, awards and major airplay. This ensured that Ringo remained a sought-after-act on the performing circuit in South Africa.

Mtukudzi or simply Tuku to his fans has done collaborations with both Ringo and Jah Prayzah which means the “Watitsvata” singer will fit well on two different sets.

Tuku, who turned 61 on September 22, is one of the greatest composers, arrangers and performers to emerge from Zimbabwe. However, it is his humility which has assured his longevity in music. Unlike some musicians who when they hit the big time become untouchables,

Tuku remains level headed.

On the other hand, Jah Prayzah is coming up in a big way.

He is the sort of musician who does not belong to a particular genre and it is difficult to pigeon hole his music. However, what is known about him is that he plays music that moves revellers.

The latest “Tsviriyo” DVD album has put him in the spotlight again as he single-handedly brought all the big names on the same platform.

He brought together Tuku, Pastor Charles Charamba, Sulu, Freddy “Kapfupi” Manjalima, Winky D and Alick Macheso on “Tsviriyo”, a feat which other musicians are still to achieve.

But surprisingly, Extrabasso is one artiste who does everything with much ease. He has plenty of hits to enjoy. However, the “Madhawu” singer always keeps himself on solid ground. His music appeals to the young and old because he sings about everyday life.

Last but not least, Winky D born Wallace Chirimuko has had a good year capped by big corporate endorsements and international tours.

Currently rocking the airwaves with his socially conscious track “Mafirakureva”, Winky D who is also known by such sobriquets as the

“Ninja President” or “Biggie Man” takes every show seriously and he gives his all.

It is then little wonder that he has upstaged a lot of foreign acts including Nigerian D’Banj and Bebe Cool from Uganda.

We shudder to think what’s going to happen at tonight’s show as Winky D always spring surprises.

One of the show promoters, Partson “Chipaz” Chimbodza, said so far everything was going according to plan.

“Everything is in place now and the musicians are raring to go. We want to urge fans to come early and in their numbers,” he said.