Own Correspondent|Silenced and disgraced political opportunist Energy Mutodi who shot into the helm of ZANU PF politics after singing a song called ‘Havo Ndibaba’ where he praised then Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa should now be contemplating his next move after Mnangagwa dumped him.
At the “peak” of his music career which also failed, the somewhat all rounder found the going tough even after taking on board Peter “Dhewa” Moyo’s band members in 2011 — said he deserves to be called “king of sungura”.
“Indeed, the country’s music history will no longer be complete without mention of Mutodi who since entering the music scene in the year 2010 as a rhumba artist before taking on the popular sungura genre, has made an immense contribution towards social, economic and political transformation through singing and writing,” he said.
“Sungura music is popular among the poor and the middle class, particularly the rural folk who constitute 70% of the country’s population.”
Speaking ahead of the launch of his album in 2015 which also collapsed in the market, Mutodi warned fellow musicians that he was the next big thing in Zimbabwean music.
“The latest album titled, Mupedzanhamo, is expected to raise the bar in sungura circles and as usual, will force other prominent musicians to revise their work set to be released this year if they are to give Mutodi any meaningful competition,” he said.
The musician, who throughout his music career failed to hold live shows after attracting paltry crowds, blamed his misfortunes on the media.
“Although I command respect and following among fans in Zimbabwe and South Africa, I, however, have been downplayed by Zimbabwean entertainment journalists who remain entangled in a primitive mental prison that a rich and educated man cannot be a musician,” he said.
After boasting so much about his music accolades, it’s certainly time for Mutodi to try to go back to his music “career” after President Emmerson Mnangagwa dumped him by kicking him out of his ministerial position as Deputy Minister of Information.
As if that was not enough, Mutodi’s woes in politics continue to mount after Zanu PF Mashonaland East issued him with a prohibition order.
The decision was announced by Mash onaland East Provincial spokesperson Kenneth Mutiwekuziva during a tour of Murehwa Hospital by party delegates yesterday.
The delegates included provincial chair Joel Biggie Matiza, Housing and Social Amenities Minister and Murehwa North MP Daniel Garwe, Politburo member David Parirenyatwa and provincial youth league chair Kelvin Mutsvairo.
Mutodi, who is also Goromonzi West legislator and a member of the Zanu PF’s provincial executive, was prohibited from participating in any party duties.
“Following the sacking of Dr Mutodi as a Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity (and Broadcasting Services) by His Excellency Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa, Mashonaland East executive committee sat down and deliberated on the issue and agreed that proper disciplinary action should be carried out,” said Mutiwekuziva.
“This prohibition order is in regard to his position as a provincial member in Mash East province.”
Mr Mutiwekuziva said Dr Mutodi should be issued with a prohibition order and notice of charges in writing within the prescribed period in line with the party’s constitution.
“Any member of the party against whom disciplinary is intended to be taken shall first be issued with a prohibition order and notice of charges in writing, for a period not exceeding fourteen (14) days in the respect of branch or district and twenty one (21) days in respect of the province.
“The notice of charges shall state the charges and the date and the venue of the hearing of the case by appropriate disciplinary organ.
“The notice shall inform the member being charged of his constitutional rights under article 10 and section 69,” reads the ruling Zanu PF’s constitution.
Additional reporting: State Media
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