NORTON – It is with an entirely heavy heart that I learnt of the departure of Tongai Moyo on Saturday 15 October 2011.

^ Tongai Moyo with Tuku

I worked with Tongai in the 1990s as the producer of his very first album, Utakataka. While we lived together in Kwekwe I made sure Tongai organized himself professionally and that he rehearsed including the likes of Robert Chiriga (late).

As his producer I went to record with him, Utakataka, at the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) because we could not get space at the commercial studios. I sincerely believed in both Tongai and Chiriga as gifted musicians.

It is shocking he died just after I went to see him in hospital on the Friday before his passing the following day on Saturday. Tongai gave me the impression his condition was improving and would be soon leaving hospital.

When I went to see him last Friday Tongai said to me humorously: “Mukoma, please ask maiguru (your wife) to prepare me a road-runner (village chicken).” I forwarded the message to my wife who was preparing Tongai’s request for delivery the next day when he unfortunately died. She was devastated.

My first advice to Tongai, while I was producing his music, was that he should be original and avoid imitating Leonard Dembo (late) because Tongai was a great, great fan of Dembo’s whom he adored so much.

Right: Tongai Moyo

I told Tongai that he could play the same genre of music as Dembo but try, as much as possible, to sound original as Tongai the individual and independent musician. And Tongai listened.

Sure, I was proud to be associated with Tongai because he was talented. I only helped him by showing him the way. He had the craft already. I think Tongai moved with the times and trends in music and never remained stagnant and it went on well for him.

To his wife and family, fans, the music sector and the nation that poured out to mourn Tongai, we must never lose hope. Let us be strong during this dark hour. Tongai’s death is not the end. His legacy continues through his music.

And to Peter (Tongai’s son (23) who has been standing in for his father as lead singer of Utakataka Express) I say, son, remain humble and work hard and you will fit into your father’s shoes and life will go on. Sulu (Chimbetu) is working with his late’s father’s (Simon) band and you can do the same and the Moyo legacy will continue.

Let Peter play his father’s music and if he can bring in new dimensions into the music, the better even. Peter should build a good name, for himself, on the back of his father. There is nothing wrong with that. - Oliver Mtukudzi / tukumusik.com