Tongai Obert Moyo Jr, son of the legendary sungura maestro, Tongai Moyo, has issued a desperate plea for financial assistance, his voice trembling with a mixture of frustration and despair.
The young musician, who leads the 4X4 band, revealed that his ambitious project, an album titled Shumba Dzemu Africa, is currently languishing in limbo, a victim of the cruel hand of poverty.
He implored well-wishers and music lovers to come forward, their generosity the lifeline he desperately needs to resuscitate his career and ensure that the vibrant flame of Utakataka Express continues to burn brightly.
The young musician's heartfelt appeal has sent shockwaves through the music industry, highlighting the harsh realities faced by many aspiring artists.
"I humbly request support from fans, corporates, and the government," said Tongai Jr.
"We were unable to release our album last year due to financial constraints, but we are now prepared to do so with the necessary backing. We promise to deliver high-quality music, exciting collaborations, and I am hopeful for a collaboration with my brother Peter Moyo."
Tongai Jr's plea comes amid the recent lavish tribute to his father by controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo.
Chivayo gifted Peter Moyo, Dhewa's other son, a luxury Mercedes-Benz C-Class valued at US$25 000.
"Tongai Jnr found himself embroiled in a controversy after hinting at a possible collaboration with Peter Moyo on his upcoming album. This move was met with a wave of criticism, with many accusing the young musician of shamelessly exploiting Peter's recent good fortune.
Just weeks prior, Peter had been lavished with a brand new Mercedes Benz by flamboyant businessman, Wicknell Chivayo.
This extravagant gift had ignited a frenzy of speculation and envy within the Moyo family.
Critics alleged that Tongai Jnr's suggestion of a collaboration was nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to leverage Peter's newfound connection to Chivayo.
Critics argued that the young musician was subtly presenting a "begging bowl" to the businessman, hoping that the prospect of a family reunion on an album would sway Chivayo into showering the entire Moyo clan with similar extravagant gifts.
The rivalry between Peter and Tongai Jr is well-documented, fueled by reports of a dispute over their father's legacy. The brothers have previously held separate gigs to commemorate their father, highlighting the tension between them.
The late Utakataka Express frontman succumbed to cancer in 2011 after a prolonged battle with the disease.
Peter quickly assumed leadership of the band and has since released five albums.
However, Tongai Jr later entered the music scene, claiming Peter was mismanaging their father's legacy.
This led to a significant rift between the siblings, with some band members leaving Peter's group to join Tongai Jr's Utakataka 4x4 outfit.
Musaope Jenitala, Prince Kapata and dancers Prince, Koko, Kerezani and rhythmist Baba Gari left Peter Moyo's band and are now part of Tongai Jr's band.