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Lungile Tshuma, Sunday Leisure Correspondentl
AT first glimpse 12-year-old Thabo Ronald Dzombo is like any other child who is on the verge of entering the teen world, but that first impression disintegrates right before your eyes the moment he picks up drum sticks and plays music.
The boy is a musical prodigy with the competitive talent that puts him at the same level with adult musicians. There is no doubt whatsoever that Thabo is destined for greatness, and if he keeps his eye on the ball, he could be as great as some of the well established drum players.
At the World Music Day celebrations held at Bulawayo Centre, Thabo wowed the stunned audience that was left with no doubt that the boy has got talent. Congregants of the Salvation Army Church in Bulawayo’s high density suburb of Makokoba, where Thabo worships, cannot get enough of his exploits.
Like a beast that cannot be contained in a cage, Thabo’s talents are too good to go unnoticed. Marimba Jazz Band and Rainbow Marimba are after his signature, but he is not interested. He wants to go it alone.
“My wish is to start my own gospel band. This is my dream and I am praying hard to achieve it. I started playing drums when I was in Grade Three. That was the time when my father told me to try playing drums at church,” said Thabo.
Like any talented musician who knows that he is gifted, Thabo’s confidence borders on arrogance.
He said: “I can play drums at any band in the land. If you take any musician and ask me to play drums for him or her I can do so without any fear or doubt. I normally play drums at church and this is where I improve my skills.
“I thank my parents because they have been supportive of me. After I showed my interest in the music industry, they had to take me to the academy of music where I did some studies. I took the studies while I was in Grade Three and stopped when I was going for Grade Seven.”
Thabo’s talents have also been recognised by the Academy of Music. His skills were polished at the school and he graduated with a distinction. While most people close to Thabo have been astounded by his rapid progression as a musician, his father, Collin Dzomba, who is also a musician and leader of the Salvation Army Band in Matabeleland region, is not surprised.
Indeed, this apple did not fall far from the tree.
“We are hoping that he is going to develop this talent and pursue music as his career. At church he is the one who teaches people of all age groups even people who are much older than me hence we will give him the support he needs so that he fulfills his dreams. Some churches hire him to teach their children and also the entire praise and worship brigade to beat drums,” said Dzomba.
Online Reporter