First Farai Reveals Late Sungura Legend Tongai Dhewa Moyo Still Guides Him Through Dreams

ENTERTAINMENT | SUNGURA MUSIC

Beyond the Grave: First Farai Reveals Late Sungura Legend Tongai "Dhewa" Moyo Still Guides Him in Dreams

Written By: Arts & Entertainment Desk | Published: October 19, 2026 | 4 min read

Fifteen years after his tragic passing, the indomitable spirit of Tongai "Dhewa" Moyo continues to reverberate through Zimbabwe's music scene. For Hurudza Express Band frontman First Farai, the late Utakataka Express founder is not just a musical ancestor; he remains an active, spiritual mentor who regularly visits him in his dreams to offer direction, advice, and creative guidance.

A SPIRITUAL BOND: First Farai says the late Tongai Moyo continues to appear in his dreams, shaping his approach to the music industry 15 years after the Utakataka Express founder succumbed to cancer in 2011.

Tongai Moyo succumbed to cancer in 2011, leaving behind a profoundly rich Zimbabwean sungura music legacy. However, for First Farai, who now sits on the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) board, Dhewa was more than an industry titan—he was a loving brother, an unmatched perfectionist, and a guiding light whose mentorship transcended the physical realm.

Dream Guidance Leadership The Sungura CEO Analysis

A Spiritual Mentorship

In African cultural traditions, the appearance of departed loved ones in dreams is often viewed as a profound continuation of their earthly relationships. First Farai deeply treasures these nocturnal visitations, viewing them as crucial to his ongoing success.

"Dhewa still appears in my dreams, giving me directions and advice as a musician because he was my mentor. When we entered the music fraternity, Dhewa was already miles ahead of us. He was a loving brother who embraced those of us who were still learning the ropes."

— First Farai

Learning from the Best Farai credits his musical foundation directly to Moyo, stating he "learnt most of my musical styles from him because I knew I was in safe hands." The open-door policy Dhewa maintained allowed young artists to call or visit him freely.

A Demand for Perfection Dhewa was known for his rigorous standards. According to Farai, the late icon saw immense potential in him but constantly pushed for perfection, both in the recording studio and during live stage performances.

Beyond the Microphone

Tongai Moyo's influence extended far beyond his hit records. The burly Hurudza Express singer, who now utilizes Dhewa's teachings in his capacity on the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) board, noted that Moyo was a natural unifier and a dedicated community pillar in his rural home of Sesombe.

The Pillars of Dhewa's Leadership

The Pride of Sesombe

Dhewa was fiercely loyal to his roots. Whenever he wasn't touring, he functioned as a community leader in Sesombe, driving local development and earning adoration from his legion of rural and urban fans alike.

Industry Unifier

Farai states, "Tongai Moyo was a man of peace who served the industry diligently." Farai has taken up this mantle, constantly engaging other musicians to share ideas and move the deeply competitive sungura genre forward together.

Family Cohesion

A responsible father above all else, Dhewa's teachings on unity continue. Farai expressed immense relief and pride in seeing Dhewa's children uniting to protect their father's towering musical legacy today.

THE SUNGURA BLUEPRINT: Dhewa left behind an impressive catalogue of timeless albums that continue to define the parameters of modern Zimbabwean sungura music.

The CEO's Office

To say Tongai Moyo was a class apart would be an understatement. First Farai fondly recalled how Dhewa approached his live performances, revolutionizing the visual appeal of sungura artists who were previously known for rugged aesthetics.

Immaculate Choreography "When it came to choreography, Dhewa treated the stage like a CEO’s office, where serious business was conducted at all times," Farai noted. It was this exact professionalism that gave Farai the confidence to permanently pursue sungura.

A Peerless Discography Dhewa’s catalogue is a masterclass in consistency. From his early breakthroughs like Vimbo (1996) and Naku (1999) to monumental hits like Samanyemba (2002), Naye (2005), and his final offering Toita Basa (2010).

Mhepo Arts Analysis

An Enduring Cultural Phenomenon First Farai’s revelation that Tongai Moyo still guides him in dreams speaks volumes about the depth of Dhewa’s impact. In Zimbabwean music culture, true legends don't just leave behind records; they leave behind disciples. Dhewa's insistence on stage presentation changed sungura from a rural tavern sound to an elite, corporate-level entertainment experience.

The Ripple Effect on ZIMURA By taking Moyo's leadership lessons directly into the boardroom of the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA), First Farai is ensuring that Dhewa's advocacy for artist welfare and unity is institutionalized, protecting the next generation of Zimbabwean artists.

15 Years On: The Legacy Lives A decade and a half after his passing in 2011, albums like Samanyemba and Mudzimu Weshiri still dominate airwaves, proving that while Utakataka Express lost its founder, the music achieved true immortality.

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