By Fidelis Manyange

HE descended with businessman Tawanda Chenana in Macheke last week and mesmerised the community alongside fellow artistes Allan Chimbetu, Leonard Zhakata and Franco Slomo as they blew the night away. 

Mike Pagiwa, popularly known as Ba Troy who has taken the music industry by storm was part of the huge crowd that gathered to celebrate the life of Tawanda’s mother Cde Susan Tanga. 

And he did not disappoint.  

In fact, he left villagers clamouring for more.

Patriot Arts interviewed the singer, particularly on accusations of being a Jah Prayzah copycat.

His scorcher ‘Shungu Dzemoyo Wangu’ has become a favourite for many as it currently has over a million views on You Tube. 

“I do not imitate any artiste because I am my own man, and that is Ba Troy’s natural voice,” he said 

“We have artistes like Diamond Platinum and Harmonise who are both Tanzanian musicians with similar voices and music type, so my case with Jah Prayzah is not new.” 

The bearded musician said he had never communicated with Jah Prayzah but hopes to share the stage with him in future.

The artiste who grew up in Harare and was educated in Rusape started singing in the Roman Catholic Church choir and became serious with music aged 19. 

He took his talent seriously after taking part in the ZBC talent show Star Brite in 2013. 

“I was inspired by the likes of the late jazz artiste Prince Musarurwa and Peter Moyo encouraged me to take music seriously,” said Ba Troy. 

His single ‘Shungu Dzemoyo Wangu’ he said, speaks of someone wishing his/her mother was alive to help him/her through daily struggles. 

He said the reason he got so much feedback from the song is because many people relate to the song. 

“I composed the song because I lost my mother,” he said.

“I am not doing any album soon but I have got several singles and visuals coming soon because many people have never seen Ba Troy.” 

The singles in the pipeline include, ‘Tenderedza’, ‘Zvibvunze’ and ‘Dzikama’. 

Each time he went recording, he used the name ‘Troy’ and eventually, the name Ba Troy came after naming his son Troy. “Now that I have my own live band called Blaze Band, I will start holding shows around the country soon,” said Baba Troy.

The musician, however, feels there are some individuals trying to sabotage his music.

“I haven’t been in the music industry for long but I have encountered a lot of obstacles as I would go to some music promoters and certain people whom I thought would help me but didn’t. 

Despite all this, I am happy that I have managed to do what I have always dreamed of.” 

As for collaborations, Ba Troy wishes to work with Mark, Ngwazi, Baba Harare and Winky D, among others. 

Based on his live performance in Macheke, Ba Troy is a musician who is set to go far if he maintains his current form and singing prowess.