Life turns sour for Sugar Sugar
TARUVINGA “Sugar Sugar” Manjokota had a promising music career at one time.
The height of his music success was marked by the release of hits such as “Juliana”, “Mairosi” and “Zvaonekwa”.
Now a pale shadow of his former self, Sugar Sugar has fallen on hard times and is crying for divine intervention.
“My brother, my life and career are in a shambles. Only God, and not man, is capable of rescuing me from the deep pit that I have fallen into,” said the Buhera-born musician.
During his peak, from 2007 to 2010, the musician lived a decent life and was a proud owner of five luxury cars.
There was a time when he was a polygamist; he had three wives.
Sources in the music industry maintain the musician’s love for the fairer sex contributed to his current state of affairs.
However, the singer and composer shot down these claims. He, instead, blamed promoters for his predicament.
“I know there are people who are saying women milked me dry. That is not the case. I am down simply because promoters are not knocking on my door,” he said.
Sugar Sugar’s situation is so dire that he is failing to raise money for studio recordings.
“I wrote songs for my new album but I am failing to raise money for studio recordings. It is painful to sit down and watch my career melt away,” said the veteran musician, who has 11 albums to his credit.
Living from hand to mouth, the “Mairosi” hitmaker has resorted to sand poaching and brick moulding for survival. He has also tried his hand at gold panning.
Labelling himself “a disgrace”, the musician said he is living a “shameful” life.
“I cannot stand up and introduce myself to the public.
“The situation I am facing discourages people from becoming musicians,” he added.
He, however, refused to throw in the towel as he yearns for a second chance.
“If promoters come my way, I will definitely pick up the pieces and return to stardom. I will not disappoint those who have faith in me. I have the capacity to deliver good music. All I need is support,” said Sugar Sugar.
He revealed that his forthcoming six-track album will be titled “Kudzoka kweSugar: Chakadaro”.
“Apikede”, “Mairosi Uchandibaisa Ngebanga”, “Kambeyambeya”, “Gwindekwinde” and “Pazvakatangira” are the other songs that will be on the album.
The Samaita Express frontman said the title track questions why promoters are neglecting him.
He has since sent a distress signal as he hopes to make a comeback.
“I am calling upon my fellow countrymen to help me come out of this situation. I do not want to starve my fans or to surrender and abandon my career,” a distraught Sugar Sugar said.
“I, however, would like to thank Baba Sharo (Alick Macheso) for bailing me out on several occasions. He is one man who has never turned his back on me, even in my darkest hour. His love and support are amazing.”