adminTawanda Marwizi Arts Correspondent
Musicians signed with Diamond Studios have decided to push forward their new releases in anticipation of the return of super producer Bothwell “Be African” Nyamondera who they view as the doyen of Zimbabwean pop music called sungura.
The United Kingdom based veteran producer was scheduled to resume work at the studio in April.
An official at Diamond Studios told The Herald Entertainment that some of the artistes whose albums were due for release in March had not yet booked studio time waiting for Nyamhondera.
The studio last month announced they were bringing back the producer but could not give a specific date.
Artistes who include Tendai Dembo yesterday said he was waiting for Nyamhondera to come so that he could record his album.
“He has worked with my father and I am sure he knows the sound of our music so there is no way we can record without him,” said Tendai.
Another artiste who refused to be named said he had put on hold the new album.
“I think for now he is the only producer I can work with because he is a prolific producer to work with so there is no way I can get into the studio now,” said Romeo Gasa.
However, Diamond Studios artistes’ manager John Muroyi said they had other producers in the likes of Isaac Matenderu and Jabulani Ndlovu who were equally capable of producing hits.
“Our studios are booked up to April though I am not sure who exactly have booked,” said Muroyi, adding that “I cannot run away from the fact that there might be chaos when he (Nyamhondera) comes but for now we are not sure of the artistes who are waiting for him.”
Nyamhondera – the man behind the success stories of many top musicians in the country in the likes of Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria and the late Tongai Moyo, whom he produced during his tenure at Gramma Records – has been over the years missing in action while he was doing odd jobs in the UK.
“Indeed, I am coming back home and I have since signed a five-year contract with Diamond Studios which can always be renewed. I am happy for that since home is always best. I hope things will work out well,” he said in an interview.
Online Reporter