adminBrenda Phiri Arts Correspondent
Alexio Kawara, a former member of the boy band “Guess”, might have found fame as a solo artiste, but insists that he will remain humble.
The 34-year-old afro-soul sensation who has always managed to present somewhat a breath of fresh air on the entertainment scene, has indeed come of age.
Upon releasing an emotional song “Amai” at the turn of the millennium, it marked a journey that saw him rising to be one of the most respected afro-fusion musicians in the country.
More than a decade has passed and the Shades of Black frontman says he has no regrets.
The musician, who is credited for belting out one of Zimbabwe’s all-time classics “Shaina”, has seen his star rising in recent years as he is now contracted to play every Thursdays at Milton Park’s Zimbabwe Germany Society.
“I am grateful to the officials at ZGS who have given me a lifeline to perform every week at the venue. It is now more like a family affair where I can have intimate performances with fans,” he said.
“Kuchina”, as it has come to be known, has been in existence for over three years, but has also become a platform to expose talented artistes.
“I have been in the music industry for some time now and I think nurturing and mentoring other budding artistes would be one way of giving back to society. I managed to rise through curtain-raising for the likes of Tuku, Victor Kunonga and Alick Macheso,” said the soft-spoken musician.
Tariro neGitare is among the artistes who have shared the stage with the Shades of Black on the popular Thursday shows.
“I now have five albums in my name so I am not able to play all of my songs at live shows. I use the ZGS shows to give that extra touch to my fans,” he said.
Online Reporter