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Shadreck Mufandaedza : Arts Correspondent

Sungura musician Aliya Mwanambo whose showbiz name is First Farai seeks to revive his fading career when he launches an album on Wednesday at the City Sports Bar in the capital. Farai has not been in the limelight for long with reports suggesting that he had relocated to Mozambique sometime last year. Titled “Mukonon’ono Hard Times” the six track album has songs “Katundumusere Musere”, “Kuparadzana”, “Kanamataura Nezvedu”, “Machemanhando”, “Matipembedza” and “Murume Hadonhe Nembama”.

Explaining one of the songs, “Mukonon’ono Hard Times”, the sungura musician said, “Everyone is facing hardships in life, and I composed this song outlining how people are living these days”.

In an interview the musician confirmed he once left the country to work in Mozambique.

“I had already conceded to piracy that has affected each and every musician in the country, and artistes must join hands to fight for piracy so that the music industry can grow”, he said.

Farai who has been in the media for wrong reasons said he made up his mind after spending some months in the neighbouring country working.

“After some months l made up my mind and decided to come back and work on this project,” he said.

The musician said he has shown his prowess on the album.

“I have spent my time and energy working on this album and l think this will surpass my previous albums. As a person who has stayed in the music industry for some time you have to show maturity,” he said

The album was recorded at JP Studios.

Suluman Chimbetu, Alick Macheso, Somandla Ndebele among other sungura musicians are expected to grace the occasion.

The musician whose music is similar to that of Tongai “Dhewa” Moyo was asked whether he is in good books with late musician’s son Peter Moyo.

“Although my music likens Peter Moyo, I have no problem with him. Peter is my son and we work together as a family,” said Farai.