Peter Moyo explores fresh path
PETER MOYO’S latest offering, “Mixed Bag Volume 1”, has steered interesting debate among music aficionados.
The project released by son to the late sungura great Tongai “Igwe” Moyo is a complete diversion from the singer’s usual touch.
There is not even a single trace of sungura on the album.
Also, the tracks are short, averaging between three and four minutes.
“Mixed Bag Volume 1”, laden with love songs, is made up of genres that include amapiano, Afro beat and reggae.
Interestingly, the musician is visibly in control of his vocals from the opening track up to the end. He does not show any sign of strain, which is the case in some of his sungura songs.
Several people seem to concur that Peter is on to something.
“This is powerful. This is your strength... cool music is your portion . . . I listened to ‘Mbereko’ as well. Aiwa kusatenda uroyi... wave kurova Mature music . . . keep this DJ Mapepetso BRAND alive . . . I LOVED IT!!! (sic),” commented one of his fans on social media.
Indeed the music is intriguing. It delivers a totally different Peter. Sweet backing vocals from the gifted traditional music singer Sasha Madhuve, Leah Kasinamunda, Tinah Chagonda and Praise Kaseke add panache to the album.
The love song “Dairawo”, delivered on an amapiano beat, can turn up the mood any day.
The track has healthy co-ordination between vocals and sound, which is the case in most of the compositions.
The Maselo produced song can easily be argued to be one of the best on the 10-track album.
The other nine tracks were produced by Oscar “SkidoMix” Chamba.
Another fascinating composition is “Hupenyu” which is dropped on a reggae tip.
In the song, Peter laments individuals that are bent on censuring other people’s decisions.
He pleads for permission to live his life as he pleases and equally encourages people to always appreciate and support others’ efforts.
“Maulenge” and “Mbereko” cannot be ignored also.
“I have been working with my producer, Oscar Chamba, who created most of the beats on this album. It was fun and I enjoyed every moment in the studio. I am getting positive feedback from my fans,” said Peter who adopts the moniker DJ Mapepetso on the project.
“The encouraging response has made me realise that I have the potential to challenge fellow artistes on reggae, amapiano or Afro beat genres,” he added with a smile.
The musician has already set in motion plans to release “Mixed Bag Volume 2”.
The project will feature seasoned artistes in the mould of Shinsoman, Guspy Warrior, Dhadza D, Diana Samkange among others.
Leah Kasinamunda’s services are also retained.
“I will be dropping ‘Mixed Bag Volume 2’ this coming August. This is more of a collaboration album. I have engaged the services of different musicians and from different genres,” revealed Peter or simply Young Igwe.
“We are also working on videos for the Volume 1 project. They should be out soon.”
But, is he abandoning sungura?
“I will never dump sungura. I just wanted to showcase my versatility through this album. I release a new sungura project after every two years and the next one is due next year in February.
‘‘So, I will be using the time in-between to run with the ‘Mixed Bag’ projects,” explained Peter.
Since taking over from his late father in 2011, the Young Igwe has released five albums namely “Mushonga Mukuru”, “Mabasa aMwari”, “Mopao Mokonzi”, “Mwana weMurozvi” and “Maricho kwaMoyo”.
The last sungura album, “Maricho Kwamoyo”, was a massive improvement compared to his previous releases.
The project carries the tracks “Sirivhiya” featuring jiti singer Baba Harare and Madiz and “Rufu” — a collaboration with chanter Freeman.
Massive admiration of the two tracks probably motivated Peter to come up with this latest offering.
After all, he has done well each time he tries a different sound outside sungura.
Remember “Come Over” off Baba Harare’s album “Generator”?
He probably should keep experimenting until he strikes gold.
With a positive mind and attitude, it is possible.
His father, Igwe, was innovative. After the success of his album “Samanyemba” featuring the runaway hit “Murozvi Mukuru”, Igwe released “Pakanaka Dhewa” –a sungura album with some heavy rhumba influence.
It did well on the market.
“I want to keep my father’s legacy alive, but, remember, I am my own man and also need to explore fresh avenues,” added Peter.
Other tracks on ‘Mixed Bag Volume 1” are “Happy” (amapiano), “Kumbira” (reggae), “Chichie” (Afro beat), “Chiyedza” (reggae), “Maulenge” (Afro beat), “Mbereko” (reggae), “Babie” (Afro beat) and “Ndiwe” (reggae).