Andy Muridzo Biography
Andy Muridzo, is a Zimbabwean musician known for his contributions to the music industry. He gained popularity through his songs “Dherira” and “Chidhafudhunda,” which were featured on his album “Ngarizhambe.” Despite facing allegations of copying Jah Prayzah’s style, Muridzo has denied these claims and asserts that he is inspired by his fellow musician.
- Also Read: Diana Samkange Mangwenya Biography: Musical Career, Business, Spirit Medium, Wicknell Chivayo Gift
Real Name
Andy Muridzo’s real name is Kudzai Andrew Ngwenya.
Age & Date of Birth
Andy Muridzo was born on June 18, 1992, in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
Education
Muridzo attended Mushanhi Secondary School, where he had the opportunity to study alongside Jah Prayzah, another notable Zimbabwean musician.
Musical Career
Muridzo’s musical journey began in Form Two when he became the leader of the church choir. His talent caught the attention of Jah Prayzah, who mentored him starting in 2013. Prior to achieving fame as a solo artist, Muridzo performed alongside Jah Prayzah in church. He credits Jah Prayzah as his inspiration for venturing into music and following in his footsteps. Although Muridzo initially desired a career in Zimdancehall music, Jah Prayzah advised him to explore a different genre.
Muridzo currently leads the 13-member Jeetaz Band. In April 2019, five members of the band left due to grievances regarding poor remuneration. They subsequently formed their own band called Bark Charity Band. Later that year, Muridzo attended the launch of Bark Charity Band’s debut album, “Hupenyu Hutsva,” in Harare.
Copying Jah Prayzah Allegations
Muridzo has faced accusations of copying Jah Prayzah’s style. In response, he clarified that he merely sings in a genre that Jah Prayzah has mastered and considers himself a student of the acclaimed musician. Muridzo expressed his gratitude to Jah Prayzah for guiding him in his musical journey, stating that he had initially intended to pursue a career in Zimdancehall but was advised against it.
Andy Muridzo | image credit @Facebook
Millitary Touch Movement Contract
In January 2017, Muridzo signed a contract with Jah Prayzah’s record label, Military Touch Movement (MTM). However, within a year, Muridzo voiced dissatisfaction with the agreement, alleging that it favored Jah Prayzah more than himself. In March 2018, he openly expressed regret for signing with MTM and stated his intention to terminate the contract. Muridzo cited unfulfilled promises and a lack of support from Jah Prayzah as reasons for his decision to sever ties with the label.
Termination of MTM contract
In March 2018, the contract between Andy Muridzo and Jah Prayzah’s Military Touch Movement was officially terminated. A letter from Keen Mushapaidze acknowledged Muridzo’s request to leave MTM and consented to the termination of the contract.
Discography
Albums
- “Pakubuda Kwezuva” – released on March 25, 2015
- “Munondo” – released in 2018
Ngarizhambe
Muridzo’s album “Ngarizhambe” features tracks such as “Ngarizhambe,” “Tinopekedza,” “Haungatikoromotse,” “Dherira,” “Tande,” “Chomuduri,” “Chidhafu Dhunda,” “Ngaituruke,” “Zvipande,” “Tungamira Tiende,” “Kuzvara Kamwe,” “Handirambe Mukoma,” “Unoendepi,” “Sarunde,” and “Dhali Huya.”
Tichambotenderera
His album “Tichambotenderera” was launched on March 22, 2017. It includes tracks such as “Emma,” “Memo,” “Yehombarume,” “Blowing Trumpets,” “Tichambotenderera,” “Mai Maria,” “Merenziana,” “Dhibhi Remhuru,” “Chingoma Cherudo,” “Dairai,” “Kumabumbe,” and “Ndirangarirei.”
Shiri Yamambo
Muridzo released the album “Shiri Yamambo” in 2019.
Affair with Beverly Sibanda
On January 31, 2017, Muridzo made headlines when dancer Beverly Sibanda claimed that he had impregnated her. Muridzo admitted to having an affair with Sibanda but denied being the father of her child, citing the timing of their relationship.
Arrest
In March 2018, Muridzo was reportedly arrested for a hit-and-run accident. It was alleged that he was driving without a license and had collided with three vehicles in the central business district before fleeing the scene. One of the cars involved was severely damaged, and the owner suffered serious injuries.
Andy and Former Wife
Muridzo was previously married to Chido Manyange, also known as Mai Keketso.
Wicknell Chivhayo Car Donation
In a notable display of generosity, entrepreneur Wicknell Chivayo surprised Andy Muridzo, along with fellow musicians Mathias Mhere and Diana Samkange Mangwenya, by gifting them brand new Mercedes Benz C CLASS cars wourth US$28 000. The vehicles were given as Chivayo’s appreciation for the roles that the three musicians played in supporting and promoting the ruling ZANU PF party.
Wicknell Chivhayo Car Donation | image credit @Dj Ollah 7
Relationships
Nyari Mukucha
After his divorce, Muridzo became engaged to Nyari Mukucha in August 2019. However, their relationship ended in November of the same year after he was allegedly caught in a compromising position with one of his band members by Nyari’s brother, John Mukucha. Muridzo denied the cheating allegations.
Tasha Green
In March 2020, Muridzo began a relationship with Tasha Green, who was four months pregnant with his child at the time. Muridzo promised to pay a lobola (dowry) of at least US$4,000.
Kundai Mukuu
Kundai Mukuu revealed her relationship with Andy Muridzo, stating that they had gotten tattoos of each other’s names. She accused Faith Chinyani, Muridzo’s alleged new partner, of cohabiting with him. Mukuu claimed that she and Muridzo got engaged at the end of December 2020, with plans to pay lobola in April 2021, before Chinyani entered his life. Muridzo left Mukuu’s house in Kambuzuma amicably, but details of their separation were not disclosed.
References:
- Wicknell Chivayo’s Car Gifting Extravaganza Continues: Surprises Musicians Diana Samkange, Mathias Mhere, and Andy Muridzo with Three Brand New Mercedes Benz C CLASS
- The rise and rise of Andy Muridzo
