FANUEL LISENGA, a leader at Zimbabwe Republicans Front (ZRF) whose voice extends beyond the realms of governance into the arts says his love for music is inspired by the late legendary Tongai Moyo.
Lisenga, infuses his political activism with melodic expressions, particularly focusing on the impact of sanctions. Through his music, he sheds light on the complexities surrounding economic restrictions, echoing the sentiments of his late musical idol while leveraging his platform to advocate for change.
He recently released his debut album Chilamoyo Zimbabwe and says he composed some songs because he believes music has the power to bring people together. Some of the tracks in the album include—Sanctions must go, Yotongwa nevatema, Muchaputsa tembere yaShe and Ruva remoyo Zimbabwe.
“Looking into our country there is hatred, especially in politics where the ruling party and opposition parties do not get along and I thought of music that can unite people regardless of political party. The main idea is to unite people, my album Chilamoyo Zimbabwe is all about unity," he said.
“My main aim is to work for my country, the reason why I composed some songs is that music to me is something that can unite people. As Zimbabweans we should be united for progress sake. This year I was approached by some people and said I came up with songs and offered to pay for all recording fees."
Speaking about the songs, he said the track "Sanctions must go" speaks about the need for all people from all walks of life in Zimbabwe to speak with one voice on the issue of sanctions having to be removed.
“Sanctions need to be removed from our nation by the West. Sanctions cause untold suffering to innocent people. Then on Muchaputsa tembere yaShe, the song is an appeal to God to come to our rescue as individuals and nations in the face of attacks by enemies of progress," he said.
“Many times people just hate others for no reason and Yotongwa nevatema, the song is for the assurance that blacks on their own can run their own countries without interference from other nations. "It also speaks about the need for all people in Zimbabwe to be united in pursuit of the very best for our republic."
- Opposition leader ventures into music
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“Lastly Ruva Remoyo Zimbabwe, talks about the need for us all to be patient with our nation even in the face of challenges for unity is the foundation for success. Zimbabwe is a beautiful country for us all and we must all work towards bringing out the best for it in that oneness as one nation,” he added.
For Lisenga, his love for music comes from the late Tongai Moyo who inspired him to pursue music, a passion that dates back to his childhood.
“The person who motivated me to come into music is the late Tongai Moyo. In fact it started long back when I was growing up. My uncle liked the song by Tongai Chechete. We would sing it while bathing in the river , he would force us to sing the song as it was his favorite song," he said.
“I used to attend Tongai's live shows and I would back him in some of the shows. His music touches me, I was one of the people who was affected by his death because he was the one who motivated me to venture into music.
“People who listen to my music, have nicknamed me Dhewaldino just like in soccer there is Ronaldino the small Ronaldo so they nicknamed me Dhewaldino because I remind them of Tongai Moyo. I have been getting positive feedback concerning my music, especially the song muchaputsa temberi Yashe the song is really motivating.”
