Tongai Moyo facts for kids

Tongai Moyo (born March 12, 1968 – died October 15, 2011) was a famous musician from Zimbabwe. People often called him Dhewa. He grew up in Kwekwe. Dhewa became very popular in the late 1990s. He sang by himself and with his band, Utakataka Express.

He had many hit songs like "Samanyemba", "Naye", and "Muchina Muhombe". These songs made him famous in Zimbabwe and other countries. Tongai Moyo released 14 albums during his career, which lasted over twenty years. His last album, Toita Basa, came out in November 2010. He was getting treatment for cancer when it was released. He had been diagnosed with cancer in 2008. The song "Ndinobvuma" on this album was about his fight against the illness.

Early Life and Family

Tongai Moyo was a popular and award-winning Sungura musician. He was known for his exciting performances. Moyo became famous in the early 1990s. He released popular songs like 'Samanyemba' and 'Mudzimu weshiri' with his band, Utakataka Express.

Tongai Moyo was born on March 12, 1968, in Kwekwe. He passed away on October 15, 2011. He was married to Miniehle Mukweli. He had six children: Natasha, Nicole, Obert (Tongai Jnr), Tanaka, Nyasha, and Peter Moyo.

Music Journey

Tongai Moyo started his music career in 1988 in his hometown of Kwekwe. He played in many different bands. He joined Shirichena Jazz Band as a session musician. He helped this band release two albums and a single. Their most popular song was "Ndoita Zvangu Ndega" in 1991.

After this, Moyo started his own band called Utakataka Express. He released his first solo album, Vimbo, in 1996. This album helped Moyo become well-known in the music world. At that time, other big Sungura artists included Nicholas Zakaria and Alick Macheso. Tongai Moyo continued to release 14 albums. His album "Naye" was very popular. The song "Nemumvura Mese" from this album won him two Zimbabwe Music Awards (ZIMA). When he passed away, Moyo had just released his 14th album, Toita Basa.

Friendly Competition with Alick Macheso

During his successful music career, fans often debated who was better: Tongai Moyo or Alick Macheso. These two artists often competed for the top spot on Radio Zimbabwe. Many of Tongai Moyo's fans believe that the Sungura music scene would be even better if he were still alive.

Their friendly competition pushed Tongai Moyo to make his music even stronger. This helped both artists grow and create great music for their fans.

International Performances

Dhewa traveled to many places around the world. He shared his music with fans in the United Kingdom, USA, Botswana, and South Africa. Sometimes, he toured with other famous musicians like Oliver Mtukudzi and Alick Macheso.

Awards and Recognition

Tongai Moyo received several awards during his successful music career. His album "Naye" was very popular. The song "Nemumvura Mese" from this album earned him two Zimbabwe Music Awards (ZIMA).

Discography

• Mano (May 1998)
• Vimbo (1996)
• Naku
• Vise
• Mudzimu Weshiri (2001)
• Chirangano with Somandla Ndebele (2001)
• Samanyemba (2002)
• Chingwa (June 2003)
• Pakanaka Dhewa (2004)
• Naye (2006)
• Pinda Panyanga (2007)
• Muridzi Wenyaya (2009)
• Toita Basa (November 2010)
• Moyo Wekurera with Somandla Ndebele (1999)
• Tanaka

His Passing

Tongai Moyo passed away from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma on Saturday, October 15, 2011. He was at St Anne's Hospital in Harare. Over 15,000 people gathered at Mbizo Stadium in Kwekwe to say goodbye to the music superstar. He was buried in Zhombe, his rural home.

Tongai Moyo had openly shared his fight with cancer. His journey with the illness was even shown in a documentary film in October 2011. Before he passed away, Tongai Moyo was in St Anne's Hospital. Many fellow musicians attended a special church service in Harare. These included Sulumani Chimbetu, Somandla Ndebele, First Farai, and Pastor Charles Charamba and Olivia Charamba.

When Moyo’s body was driven from the funeral home to his hometown of Kwekwe, businesses stopped. The then-Prime Minister of Zimbabwe, Morgan Tsvangirai, shared his sadness about Moyo's death. He called Moyo "an iconic musician" who helped the country's arts industry. Tsvangirai said Moyo "kept the nation entertained through his thought-provoking lyrics."

Alick Macheso, another famous Sungura artist, also spoke about his sadness. He said he learned how special life is from Dhewa's passing. Macheso said, "You see no one has control over God and I think there one thing I learnt about death is that we have to make the most out of our lives."