Alexio Kawara’s unexpected path to the pulpit

Prince Mushawevato

AFRO-FUSION singer Alexio Kawara has had a dramatic life.

He embarked on his musical journey in 1999 and cascaded to stardom after the turn of the new millennium through hit songs like “Shaina”, “Tinodanana” and later on “Nehana”.

But about a decade ago, Kawara was involved in a nasty car accident that left him injured and unable to perform for months. The accident, which occurred in the wee hours, even caused him to postpone shooting music videos. Incredibly, he was not just involved in one accident that night, but two! He was hit by a second car while trying to help the driver from the first collision.

His then newly wedded wife and three-year-old son, at one point, broke into tears as they watched the singer perform with crutches.

Prior to the accident, the musician had in 2011 decided to quit music entirely. The reasons cited were lack of success and declining popularity. However, despite his “retirement” plans, the singer is still making music today.

He has since found faith and become a pastor, serving his community in a new way.

“I am into music full-time, but I am also a pastor with Harvesters World Ministries. I am also called coach pastor as I am into team building and prefect training,” he said in an interview with The Sunday Mail Entertainment.

He is living a life that he never imagined.

“I gave my life to Christ in March 2020 and have been a devout Christian since then. However, I never imagined that I would one day become a pastor.”

Several misfortunes, said the singer, helped him find salvation.

“We all need God in our lives. I now have four good years as a devoted Christian and less than a year as a minister.

“Being a pastor is more like a calling. Once God touches you, and you see His goodness and glory, you feel compelled to follow him.”

Ministering, he added, is consuming a chunk of his time but complements his music career.  Fellow singers who are also clergymen include “Saina” hitmaker Howard Pinjisi, Leonard “LKZee” Zhakata and Knowledge Kunenyati.

“At some point, I actually felt like I was going to quit music. In fact, I announced that I was quitting because sometimes you just do not see the light at the end of the tunnel. However, I guess the passion for music has kept me going.

“Quitting music is one of the most difficult things to do for every artiste. Most that I know to have tried that route have ended up coming back (to music) because it is not something you do but what you are. Being a musician is inborn,” explained Kawara.

The “Kuchanaya” singer is renowned for his “Kuchina” gigs, created nearly two decades ago as a platform to gain experience in the music industry.  The concept originated with the singer’s band requiring a regular venue to perform.  They secured a Thursday night slot at the now-defunct Bulldogs Pub, initially for free and later with a cover charge.

The concept was not christened at this early stage. The band later moved to a new venue, the Book Café, and started referring to Thursday shows as “Kuchina”.

Attendance was initially low, so the singer collaborated with other artistes to boost the gigs. Seasoned performers who were part of Kawara’s backing band, Shades of Black, include Q-Montana, Carlton Muparutsa, Bella Chari and Adrian Muparutsa.

Due to increased competition at Book Café, the “Kuchina” shows moved to the Zimbabwe German Society premises. This change in venue proved highly successful and the concept became strongly associated with the singer.

However, despite the popularity of the gigs, the artiste did not achieve significant financial success from them. Again, this led to a break and a revamp of the concept.

The revamped gig became a monthly event, instead of a weekly one.

“The idea was to come up with a viable business concept that could support the band and cover operational costs. Balancing passion with financial needs became a challenge. After a break, the concept was reworked to move forward,” he said.

The show is returning, but with a new format; it will be held once every two months.

The first show, titled “Kuchina Muchando”, is scheduled for June 28 at the Zimbabwe German Society premises.

The gig seeks to challenge the idea that winter is not a time for outdoor fun.

“Kuchina” remains the singer’s main public event, with private functions acting as other income streams.

New music is on the horizon, reflecting Kawara’s experience and exploration of different creative avenues.

The singer’s manager, Roy Zuka, admires the artiste’s  resilience and transformation, from singer to minister.

“I have been with him since 2008, first as the group’s sound engineer before becoming the manager in 2015.

His journey as a singer and later on minster is so inspiring. He will be sampling music with a new touch next Friday (this week),” said Zuka.