adminIt has been a week since Afro fusion artiste Alexio Kawara launched his social responsibility campaign and it is now clear that there is more to Alexio than what meets the eye. Having an iconic status in the local music industry is one thing but being social helper is a different attribute altogether. Alexio (AK) spoke to our reporter Brenda Phiri (BP) about his passion to assist the underprivileged and below are excerpts of the interview.
BP: Can you shed light on your recent social responsibility project?
AK: The project is called Tose, a name derived from my current album by that same title. It aims to help underprivileged children from all parts of Zimbabwe. Our starting point, however, is Mutoko where we chose 15 pupils that we will pay school fees for.
BP: That was an interesting theme you chose; “Building Children to Avoid the Cost of Repairing Adults”. What inspired the theme?
AK: They say you can’t teach old dog new tricks. Building a nation starts with creating a firm foundation involving the children who are the future. Catching children whilst they are still young and awarding opportunities so that they become something better in future.
BP: What is the driving force behind your project and are you going to sustain it?
AK: I feel it is the right thing to do. I have wanted to do this for a while but I did not have the resources. This is also my way of setting an example for other people to spare a thought for the children. It is a running project that will hopefully assist more children.
BP: You mentioned lack of resources as your initial stumbling block. Do you now have the capacity?
AK: I partnered with a non-governmental organisation called The Girls Legacy and Exquisite Fragrances for now. We are, however, inviting individuals and any interested companies who can help in any way to join us.
BP: What other projects are on your plans?
AK: I do have other dreams of owning an audio and visual studio with a big PA system which may happen soon. Maybe a big house too but all this is secondary. My priority is on the kids for now.
BP: Are there any artistes you feel are being overlooked?
AK: There are a lot of them. When people talk music in Zimbabwe, only a few big names are mentioned. There are talented artistes out there, the likes of Rutendo Machiridza who has one of the most powerful voices I have ever heard.
BP: Still on music, we continue to see changes in your style with each album. Is it some form of evolution for Alexio?
AK: I never decided to do music. Music chose me and has always been my nature. As an artiste I create stuff. Once upon a time I did “Tinodanana”, which was on an RnB tip, and then there was “Chibvugubvugu”, which was hip-hop and “Shaina” which had a rock feel. There is no telling what I might do next
Online Reporter