MARONDERA- One of the country’s living music legends, Josphat Somanje who leads the
Somanje Stars, has hinted on releasing a new album before the end of the year.
In an interview with this publication, the Marondera-based This Time and Maggie Mukaranga
hit maker said the album which has already been recorded is now in the hands of the
company which will produce it.
The six-track album will be the 17 th for the soft-spoken musician who never shies away from
making public his predicaments and success stories in his long music career which has been
laden with mixed fortunes.
Titled Daniel Chapter 7, his upcoming album will contain songs such as Chiremba
wekwaMakoni, Muromo Haugoni, Vimba Hako Neni, Kuseka kweweparadio, Makwambara
and the title track, Hope dzaDaniel.
“I am still active in the music industry and I have good news for all those who follow my
music. All this while, I have been in the studio recording songs for my upcoming album which
is due for release before the end of the year. The album is almost complete and the
producers are now putting final touches on it so that it comes as a perfectly complete
product.
“All the songs on this yet-to-be-released album were inspired by what happens in societies
from day to day. I tried my best to make sure that I address all societal issues so as to
accommodate all ages and classes of those who appreciate my music,” Josphat said.
The affable singer who once formed a devastating combination with his late brother Daiton
as founders of Pengaudzoke which is now being led by the latter’s son, Faheem, said there
should be a professional working relationship between musicians and promoters.
He said: “I have been in the music industry for far too long and I have seen it all. For one to
make it in music, they have to work closely with promoters and that relationship should be
mutual and professional.
“There are instances where some artistes feel short-changed by promoters but in most
cases, it is artistes who divert funds that could have been given to them to other issues that
have nothing to do with music. Music is now an industry and many people are earning a
living out of it. To that end, professionalism is always key if one wants to make it in the music
industry.”
The Somanje Stars leader also highlighted that he is in good books with Faheem and looks
forward to do a collaboration song or songs with him.
“Contrary to some people’s opinion, I am in very good books with Faheem, the son of my
late brother Daiton with whom I formed Pengaudzoke many years ago. There are people
who spread the gossip that there is bad blood between the two of us but let me reiterate that
it is just a figment of their imagination.
“I am a father figure to him and more often than not, we discuss about when or where to hold
shows together. For those not in the know, we performed on stage together at a musical
gala in Mutawatawa in July this year. In the near future, music fans should look forward to a
collaboration from us,” Josphat said.
On grooming any of his children to take up music as a career, he said each and every
person on earth has individual talent thus he has no plans to do so.
He said: “There are fellow artistes who groom their sons or daughters to follow in their
footsteps. There is nothing bad about that as it keeps their legacies alive when they pass on
but I have no intentions to do that. I believe that God has a purpose for every individual and
one should be given the choice to travel their own paths according to their talents.”
Josphat made an appeal for the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) to continue
supporting artists.
“As artists, we need support from the Government. It has been coming in various ways
through the NACZ but personally, I feel that more still needs to be done to support us with
monetary and other resources. I also want the Mashonaland East Arts Association to try and
unite all musicians in the province by organising and periodically holding shows and
concerts,” he said.
