Somanje’s journey to hell and back
GROUCHO Marx may have had Zimbabwean sungura artiste Josphat Somanje in mind when he said, “Man does not control his own fate. The women in his life do that for him.”
And for Josphat the Somanje Stars frontman who celebrated his 49th birthday on August 26, 2017
that woman happens to be his ex-wife. Here’s how the story goes: A decade ago, the musician was critically ill and battling for his life around this time of year. His hale and hearty sibling, Daiton, appeared to gloat at what he thought was his brother’s imminent death and declared he would outlive him and not even attend the funeral.
The two brothers and co-founders of Pengaudzoke had been involved in verbal and physical fights following their acrimonious split in 2002 after the release of the chart-topping “Tsaona” album.
Daiton was to pass away in 2015, eight years after his declaration and with Josphat nursed back to his feet.But it was Josphat’s ex-wife whom he credits with helping pull through the trials and tribulations. “I’m happy to be celebrating 49 years this year. God has made it possible. I never thought I would last this far after all I’ve been through. God’s touch is amazing.
“I’m forever grateful to my former wife. She is the only person who stood by me between 2007-8 when I was terribly ill. She took care, suffered with me and literally carried me on her back to hospital most of the times.
“I don’t know how to thank her because if it wasn’t for her, I would have long been history. We are now divorced but I will certainly thank her properly when things start flowing again.”
How did Josphat part ways with this supportive wife whose name he guards like a secret? The story in common currency is that the two went seperate ways after his wife caught him pants down with a mistress just before a 2010 gig in Harare.
That incident marked a new nadir for Josphat just as he was making his way back to the big time with the release of “Takarasa Nguva” and “This Time”. In 2012, Josphat released the lukewarm “Tele4nic”.
The following year was to see him lose a drummer and instruments in a road accident, and 2014 saw him accused of raping his ex-wife, and he was also said to be sexually taking advantage of a mental illness patient.
Josphat was acquitted of the charges and went on to release “Umboo” which again did not do well.However, the musician - who is also a qualified electrician - argues his problems have nothing to do with his shenanigans with women.
“That accident which killed my drummer, destroyed my car and instrumentswas the major setback. I never recovered from it. It’s now more than four years since it happened but I can still feel the effects. Re-building is proving to be a challenge,” he said.
He is set to release his 11th solo studio album this month. We all face challenges but it is our ways of dealing with them that differ. “I’m done recording my new album and its due for release probably end of month.
“The project was done at ZMC. I believe it will do wonders. It has the vintage touch that defines Josphat and The Somanje Stars. The album will reintroduce me to fans,” he opined.
Tracks on the forthcoming album include “Moto Mugotsi”, “Ndashaya”, “Tinotenda”, “Chagonda”, “Ndanyara” and “Bvepfe.
Josphat’s other albums include “Sangoremuchero”, “Kudyzakwenzeve”, “Ndozvazviri”, “Nhengure”, “Hopedzeumambo” and “Tendai Mwari”.