Josphat ready to release another album

MARONDERA- One of the icons of the country’s Sungura music brand, Josphat
Somanje, who cut his music teeth with his late elder brother Daiton with whom he
formed the Pengaudzoke band, will release his new album later in November.
In an update regarding the release of his forthcoming album, the This Time ‘Haulume’
hit-maker who fronts the Somanje Stars said the official launch of the Daniel Chapter 7
album will be held in Marondera, the provincial capital of Mashonaland East where he is
based.

He had been quiet for some time but is now back with a bang as he will be dropping a
bombshell in a launch slated for in a few weeks’ time.

The Haulume hitmaker who is one of the country’s living music legends, fronts the
Somanje Stars band said all is set for the launch of the Daniel Chapter 7 album which
will contain six tracks.

The album contains songs such as Chiremba wekwaMakoni, Muromo Haugoni, Vimba
Hako Neni, Kuseka kweweparadio, Makwambara and the title track itself, Hope
dzaDaniel.

“As I said before, all the songs have already been recorded and mastered and we are
now working on the logistics to determine where and when to release the album. Our
plan is to release it in November and it will be a Christmas present for all followers of
our music who have always supported us in good and bad times. We are what we are
today as Somanje Stars because of their support.

“Since the days we formed the Pengaudzoke band together with my late brother Daiton,
I have met with mixed fortunes in my musical journey but I have managed to soldier on
and here I am today. Focusing on my music despite the marital issues and other
challenges has been key towards my success in music,” the soft-spoken musician said.
Daniel Chapter 7 will be Josphat’s 17 th album.

“This forthcoming album which I will releasing will contain songs that touch on all
aspects of life and will accommodate all age groups and all classes of people in the

society. I have no doubt that people will fall in love with this album once I unleash it on
the market,” Josphat said.

In an earlier interview, the Marondera-based singer said there should be a professional
working relationship between musicians and promoters.

“Personally, I have been in the music industry for far too long and I have seen it all. I
have come to the realisation that 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, son to
the late Daiton who now leads the Pengaudzoke band, and looks forward to do a
collaboration song or songs with him.

“People view my relationship with Faheem differently and contrary to what is actually on
the ground. I don’t dispute the fact that we had a few misunderstandings after the death
of my brother as we both wanted to be in charge of Pengaudzoke, a band which I
helped to form from scratch.

“However, I came to my senses and realised that the disharmony would tarnish my
image, hence I decided to form the Somanje Stars. There is nolonger bad blood
between the two of us and we are planning to record collaboration songs together. I am
a father figure to the boy and people must not try to create hatred between the two of
us,” he said