Blind musicians cry foul

Auxilia Katongomara Entertainment Correspondent
VISUALLY impaired musicians, Tafirenyika Dube and Getrude Munodawafa have accused local artistes and show organisers in Bulawayo of sidelining them. Dube popularly known as Tafi and his colleague are based along 8th Avenue at Pioneer House. The duo released a sizzling debut gospel  album titled Mwari Wangu in January.

In an interview, the artistes said they had composed a lot of tracks but lacked exposure.

“We have composed a lot of tracks, but it took us almost five years to record our album because we lacked sponsorship.

The other thing that we are lacking is exposure, we are not invited for performances in the city like other artistes, they (show organisers) don’t recognise us,” said Tafi.

The artistes whom many mistake for a couple both hail from Mpopoma surburb.

“Our album is made up of 10 tracks, we composed seven and the other three are popular hymns from different church denominations.

“We would like to thank Peter Traquiono from How Mine who financed the recording of our album,” said Munodawafa.

The album was recorded and produced at House of Rising Sound. It was produced by Velaphi Gumbo.

The duo said they were appealing for well wishers to help them with a new piano.

“Our piano and amplifier are now old; when we connect the microphone it drowns our voices so we now need a new piano and amplifier.

This piano was donated to us by a local businessperson a few years ago,” said Tafi.

Although Tafi has been singing on the pavements since the late 90s, he teamed up with Munodawafa in 2006. They have been playing their music on the pavement along 8th Avenue since 2008.

Each day they perform there with well wishers donating money.

Most pedestrians are taken down memory lane by the duo’s music as they sing some old school jams and country music classics.

So talented are the two that people watch in amazement as they belt out their songs.

Some of the tracks on the album are Munotida, Musununguri, Rock of Ages and Sweet Hour of Prayer.

They are selling their album for $6 at their base.