Peter Moyo discovers self

HATE or like him, but one thing for certain is Peter Moyo’s latest offering “Mwana waMambo” comes with a unique touch that is refreshing.

This is the sixth studio album by the artiste, the son of the late sungura great Tongai “Dhewa” Moyo.

In all his previous recordings, Peter has been chastised by some critics, who felt his voice was not doing justice to the good sound produced by the band — Utakataka Express.

However, the musician seems to be doing some serious homework behind the scenes if his latest offering is anything to go by.

The six-track album presents a different Peter Moyo altogether.

He sounds relaxed and in control of the vocals. His intonation is on point, right from the opening track up to the last one.

Maybe this was because he tried to sound more like himself than trying to copy his father’s vocal artistry. The late Igwe had a smooth and“universally”appealing voice that was suited for both high and low pitch vocals.

Igwe never showed signs of strain in his music when doing either slow- or fastpaced vocals — talk of songs like “Munyaradzi”, “Nemumvura Mese” or “Ndiro Yababa”.

“My voice is my powerful and greatest weapon,” the late singer would publicly boast.

Now, Peter appears to have discovered his own style, which still falls within the distinct Utakataka Express trademark.

Those who have been following his releases from the debut album“Mushonga Mukuru” to the latest offering can easily observe the gradual transition.

The sungura singer started displaying maturity and a better understanding of music when he unleashed “Mopao Mokonzi” a few years back.

But his major turning point must have been the release of “Mixed Bag Volume 1” last year, which is not a sungura album.

The project, laden with love songs, is made up of genres that include amapiano, Afro-beat and reggae.

In “Mixed Bag Volume 1”, Peter or DJ Mapepetso — a moniker adopted for the experimental project — sounded different and extremely confident. And he seems to have carried the same level of confidence into “Mwana waMambo”.

“I am always learning and every album me grow,” said Peter.

“Mwana waMambo” was recorded at Knowledge Nkoma’s K.O.M. Studios and was mastered and mixed by Oscar“Oskido” Chamba.

“It has been a long and winding journey but I am happy that fans are appreciating the effort. We are making efforts to ensure they get good music. With their full support, it can only get better,” he added. The album is laden with poignant lyrics, which are complemented by well-crafted instrumentation.

The songs address a number of social issues and suit different occasions.

“Mwana waMambo”opens with“Igwe”, an introduction that gives hints to fans that a unique product has been unveiled.

In“Zuva Remuchato”, the singer appeals to couples not to rush to get married but wait for God’s time, instead.

Peter takes the tempo a notch higher in “Ndiwe Urikupisa”. The love song encourages partners to always appreciate each other if they are to have lasting relationships.

There is also a prayer in the form of “Mwari Wangu”. The singer thanks the Creator for always protecting us despite our transgressions. In the same vein, he reminds people to always be happy, love and care for each other for we do not have much time under the sun.

There is also“Ndangariro”, which tackles issues to do with long-distance relationships.