H-Metro
Trust Khosa, Assistant News Editor
Utakataka Express vital cog Matthew Perego who has served the band with distinction has gone solo.
The 28-year-old, who has since assembled her own 12-piece outfit called The Strategic Machine, is set to launch his debut album on May 28.
With everything now in place, says Perego, there is no going back to Utakataka Express under the aegis of Peter Moyo.
In an interview with H-Metro, Perego said it was all systems go and was determined to be his own man.
“I have spoken to Peter Moyo that I am now my own man and we blessed my solo career and even spoke glowingly about my new music.“I worked with both Tongai and Peter but there is a time when one needs to grow and start something of his own.
“As it stands, I don’t see myself going back to Utakataka Express even though Peter Moyo still wants my services.
“I don’t want people to take me for a confused lad when they see me playing the guitar for Peter Moyo after announcing that I have gone solo,” he said.
The Chinhoyi bred Perego, who had a stint with Romeo Gasa before ditching Simbi Hombe for Utakataka Express, said he was now read for the launch of his album on Radio Zimbabwe.
“The launch is going ahead according to plan and I do promise to unveil it on Radio Zimbabwe but I don’t know who will host us as of now.
“The album has five tracks namely Ma Audio, Dhiri, Mwari Muchengeti, Warwadziwa Nei and Dhiya (instrumental).
“It was recorded at Trutone Studios by Jabulani Ndlovu and mixed Bothwell Nyamhondera.
“It’s an album that will definitely shake the industry and put me in my right position in the league of stars,” he said.
Related Stories:
Asked how he was going to manage during live shows since he has a tiny catalogue of songs, he said:
“I can hold a pungwe on my own because will be playing my own songs and those of the late Leonard Dembo and Tongai Moyo.
“Dembo and Tongai Moyo are my heroes and I will play their songs during live shows with pride.
“By the way, this is not the first time that I have assembled a band but now I think I am now strong and mature enough.”
He however opened up on the challenges that he is facing.
“Like any other beginner, lack of instruments is my biggest let down at the moment but I will try by all means to manage it.
“I will see how it goes with time but there are people who are ready to assist me and I hope they will fulfil their promises,” he added.
He also took the opportunity to thank some of the people that have been assisting him in the short space of time.
“I would like to thank people like Mr Rodgers Majowa Fatiya, Boss Eddie, Baba Kelly, Joe Promotions, Plate Ndiro Holdings, Mike Mangwende, Tinashe, Captain Tau among others who are behind my new move,” he added.
