adminRutendo Kanogoiwa Showbiz Reporter
INTERNATIONALLY acclaimed drummer and guitarist, Blessing “Bled” Chimanga will be coming to Bulawayo to launch his debut album Dreams at the National Gallery on Saturday. The Harare-based artiste who is known by many from his annual drum festival — “Let the drums speak” where different drummers get to showcase their skills, will perform with Bulawayo’s Afro centric bands, Roots and Tribe.
The eight-track album which was successfully launched in Harare last month will also be taken to Gweru, Chivhu, Kwekwe and other parts of the country, before it goes regional and international.
The album which was produced by David Sengwayo and features Dudu Manhenga, BaShupi and foreign artistes among them bassist Barry Likumahuwa from Indonesia, saxophonist Estaban Copete, Alex Asher and Seth Paris from the United States of America and Vusa Mkhaya from Austria, is Bled’s summary of his musical journey.
It features songs Tirivanhu Vamwe, Vanochengeta, Joy in my heart, Maruva Enyika and Ngoma Yekwedu.
Maruva Enyika has a sweet Casablanca feel and features artistes from Italy.
“I’m optimistic this song will get people dancing. The inspiration behind it is affection among lovers,” Bled said.
Asked which genre his music was, Bled said his music was a fusion of various genres as he wanted it to appeal to all people.
“I didn’t want to limit myself to one genre as there’s a vast audience with different music tastes. All my songs have an African feel to them though,” Bled said.
The musician grew up in Harare and attended Prince Edward High School where he developed his passion for music.
He started his music career in 2008 and has been a drummer for a number of bands.
He has played with other musicians like Josh Meck, Bob Nyabinde, Hope Masike, Manhenga, the late Chiwoniso Maraire, Tariro NeGitare, Eric Wainaina (Kenya), Ray Phiri (South Africa), The Kokos (Norway), Ary Morais (Norway), Pastor G and Chikwata 263.
He has also performed at international events such as Harare International Festival of the Arts, several festivals in Botswana, Stubbetorpet Festival in Sweden and the Winter Jazz Festival.
“The market has been fairly fair. I just want to establish a firm foundation for my music and the rest can come later.”
The gifted drummer who works closely with Italian artistes, Max Covini and Matteo Boldini is the co-founder of the collaboration of Zimbabwean and Italian artistes which they coined Zimboita. They have travelled across the globe showcasing their talents in countries such as Norway, Sweden, Germany, America and some African countries.
Bled will be leaving for his Europe tour in April and return in August for his drum festival.
Online Reporter