admin◆ Soma releases album number 25
Shingirirayi Mugodi
SOMANDLA “Mafia” Ndebele has released his 25th album titled ‘Kuruma Uchifuridzira.’
The 50-year-old reckons he still has plenty to offer at a time where there is stiff competition in sungura.
With over three decades in the game, the consistent artist said he will continue releasing new stuff yearly.
And, being the one of the torch-bearers, Soma believes his new album will inspire fellow artists to compose lyrics with substance.
The album was recorded at the Zimbabwe Music College Studios by Bothwell Nyamhondera.
It carries six tracks of superior quality – Amai Vevana, Hwenyakose, Zvimwe Ndiwe, Geza, Zivo Ndichakupa and Usandisiye.
“I have been working on this album for some time and I am glad it has been embraced by fans.
“I know we are in that season when artists are releasing their albums and I hope mine is not only there to add numbers.
“As a seasoned artist, I think I am now serving my purpose in music to ensure that we inspire others, especially upcoming musicians who needs our guidance,” he said.
He said he was not afraid of competition at a time when the battle for the sungura throne is tight.
“I am one artist who is never out to compete but I am simply out to sing and it’s up to the people to judge me.
“I have passed that stage when people enjoyed making comparisons because I have matured a lot in music.
“We over three decades in the game and 25 albums to my credit, I should now be taken as an elder in the game,” he said.
Asked why he didn’t organise a proper album launch, as has become the norm with other artists, he said:
“I would have loved to organise an album launch but time constraints and, of course, resources.
“I believe I did the best by launching it on the radio where it was embraced by fans.”
Soma is one of the veteran sungura artists with a lot of experience.
He has been around for a long time now rubbing shoulders with the likes of Alick Macheso, Nicholas Zakaria, Leonard Zhakata and Hosiah Chipanga.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter