Tongai Moyo and the Utakataka Express

Biography

B: 1968

Kwekwe musician Tongai Moyo has endeared himself to fans through his popular sungura sound. Beginning his career in 1988, Moyo played in numerous bands. He gained his musical education in his hometown, eventually joining Shirichena Jazz Band as a session musician, helping to release two albums (1991's Ndoita Zvangu Ndoga, 1992's Wandibhowa) and a single. Moyo continued his band hopping, playing in other Kwekwe acts such as Shirinhema, before heading out on his own.

Tongai compiled his own band, Utakataka Express, and in 1996 released his first solo album, Vimbo, which eventually sold over 100 000 copies (according to the artist.) Since then Moyo has consistenyl produced albums, culminating in a 2002 Hits release celebrating his 6 album career in Gramma Records.

2001 saw his original band dismantled after accident where everyone's instruments were lost. Nevertheless, Tongai assembled a new version Utakataka Band and in 2000 released his 7th album. Samanyemba is on track for sales surpassing 70 000. Moyo has recently hit the top with concert performances with such stalwarts as Oliver Mtukudzi and Leonard Zhakata. He has also released two deut albums with fellow sungura star Somandla Ndebele.

Pirates pillage Tongai's latest album >> Standard (Oct 05 / 03)

Discography

Vimbo

Released: 1996
Label: Gramma
Format: Cassette
Running Time:
Stocked by:

Tongai 1996 debut, Vimbo eventually sold more than 100 000 copies. Songs include Ndinotenda Dhiya and Chechete.

Hits

Released: 2002
Label: Gramma
Format: Cassette
Running Time: 8 tracks
Stocked by: Zimsounds

Hits celebrates Tongai's career with 8 of his greatest hits released by Gramma Records.

Samanyemba

Released: 2002
Label: Gramma
Format: CD
Running Time:
Stocked by: Zimsounds

Tongai's 2002 album, Samanyemba, is on track for more than 70 000 copies in sales.

Chingwa

Released: 2003
Label: Gramma
Format: CD
Running Time:
Stocked by: Zimsounds

Tongai's latest album, released in the fall of 2003, is full of social commentary. Songs dicuss marriage, money, and most notably immigration, where a family breaks down upon their move to London. Ndinde Mukorokodza is his first-ever video as well.