Chagumuka breaks new ground

Terrence Mapurisana Arts Correspondent

ITALY-based Zimbabwean-born musician Hendrix Chagumuka believes his latest album “Gorekore”, will take him to another level.

Produced by Spencer Masango at Track Records in Harare, the album features mbira songstress Diana Samkange.

“I am glad my song writing too has improved. I mean, I admit that I am growing and still young in this industry. I believe this album will take us to another level. I know my fans will love it,” said Chagumuka.

Chagumuka said he will be releasing videos for some of his songs from his latest offering.

“Very soon I will be dropping three videos, one at a time, starting with ‘Hura Hwangu’, then ‘Gorekore’ and ‘Ndinotenda’ respectively,” he revealed.

Chagumuka also said he was planning to stage some shows in the country.  “More so, we are planning to have shows in Zimbabwe for the first time. If everything goes well, we will be having them by the end of this year. It is high time I consider my fans’ request. They need shows.

“I have been singing since childhood. I even went to Venda University in Thouyandou, Limpopo Province, South Africa, in 2000 for an annual Southern African cultural heritage with my father Robbie along with The Black Heroes as a backing vocalist,” he said.

On his discography, Chagumuka boasts songs like “Reva”, “Mwanasikana” and “Kudakwashe”, which featured Willis Wataffi.

His first album “Hupenyu” was released in 2016 where he showcased his mastery of multiple styles and languages.

The year 2018 saw him releasing his second album titled “Makorokoto” with songs such as “Bhiza raMambo” and “Tateguru” featuring TiGonzi.

Chagumuka celebrated his own achievements on the new album, “Gorekore”, especially on the song “My Story”.

He has roped in the services of his late father’s band members —The Black Heroes — on the new album making it richer in quality.

The song “Tiringei” featuring Samkange opens another chapter in Chagumuka’s musical career. He sings with accustomed majesty throughout the album.

The third album, “Gorekore”, also pays tribute to his late father Robbie and many of his fans. It reflects on the past and present, and looks into the future at the same time embracing a dynamic sense of the past.

“Hura Hwangu” and “Ndinotenda” add richness to the album “Gorekore” because of their great arrangements, with the coming in of Samkange making the songs real gems.