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Tongai 'Dhewa' Moyo - ZmboJam: Dhewa's life story told by friends and family

Zimbabwe's showbiz website ZmboJam, writes an article on Tongai ‘Dhewa' Moyo: Dhewa's life story told by friends and family.

Relatives, friends and fans of the late Sungura maestro, Tongai ‘Dhewa’ Moyo on October 18, 2011 came in their thousands to pay their last respects to the Naye hit-maker at his homestead in Sesombe, Zhombe where he was buried.

Hundreds showed up at Tongai Dhewa Moyo’s funeral. The late Sungura superstar was laid to rest at a family graveyard in Sesombe, Zhombe.

Dhewa leaves behind a wife, Minenhle Mukweli, and six children. Zimbo Jam to honour the late great musician brings you excerpts of his life story.

Silent Ntini one of Dhewa’s close friends, told the Zimbo Jam that, Tongai Moyo was born in Sesombe, Zhombe as the second child in a family of two boys and one girl. The late musician went to Chiedza primary and Mbizo secondary schools. When he finished his A’levels between 1994- 1995, Dhewa enrolled for a diploma in accounting at Kwekwe Polytechnic as a part timer.

Later Dhewa dropped out of college and decided to concentrate on recording his music; thus becoming a full time musician and releasing the first album Vimbo in 1997. Later He joined the Ministry of Health in 1988 as an Accountant at Kwekwe General Hospital (KGH) and retired in 2000 because he had become very popular in his music career.

From left, Somandla Ndebele is consoled by Macheso whilst Pastor Charamba looks on. 

The Zimbo Jam found out that Dhewa’s favourite pastime was watching and playing football. He also loved eating chicken wings and pork bones. Peter Phiri another close friend added to the food list that Dhewa liked eating fish.

 Mai Huku a fan of Dhewa told the Zimbo Jam that, “he taught us to be smart. We could take designs (for clothes) that he brought to us” and this helped increase her clothing style and thus profits. Mbuya Munikwa was in great pain as she spoke about how her nephew was, “a pillar of strength in my life.” The loss of the great sungura star was expressed in conversations and tears with each person the Zimbo Jam spoke with.

Spencer, a band member, expressed how he considered Dhewa as his close relative and together with Shiga Shiga the band manager, they both felt that Dhewa was a brother and father to the band.

Dhewa’s son, Peter Moyo is at the moment going to take over and lead the Utakataka Express. Shiga Shiga speaking on behalf of the band said they would back up Peter and give him all the support he deserves.

^ From left Minister Shamu and Tedious Matsito of Ngwenya brothers address the people present at Dhewa’s funeral.

Tongai Moyo’s death triggered outburst of sorrow from people around the country who travelled from places as far as Harare, Bulawayo to his rural home so they could witness the tragic death of this popular musician. Lancaschire steel soccer player, Tichaona Chiposi told Zimbo Jam, “Tongai was my best artist in Sungura, he was the only person who could compete with Alick Macheso. Sungura will never be the same again.”

True Sungura will have a missing superstar as Dhewa had recorded 14 albums to his name. He also toured the continent and the world, at one time Dhewa toured the United Kingdom for over a month.

Somandla Ndebele urged the remaining members of the Utakataka Express to remain united and support Peter the way they did to his late father so that Tongai Moyo’s legacy can continue.