admin
THE HERALD – Well, we have our own Kenny G in the making.
But who is Denilson Musekiwa and how did he rise to fame?
The Herald on Saturday Lifestyle caught up with the talented saxophonist who shared his story from being obscure to being famous.
He said he is not yet rich but for now, he has achieved some fame, adding, for good measure, that he is still single.
Of, course with women and soft sweet music, you won’t go wrong.
“I am single,” Denilson quickly reminded his audiences. “I was born and bred in Chitungwiza and I went to Zengeza High School 2. Growing up I loved musical instruments and had the passion for the saxophone.”
And how then did he start playing the instrument?
“I used to watch saxophone videos online,” he said. “I had several dreams of myself playing the saxophone. I learned how to play the saxophone using YouTube tutorials. I started in 2010 as a pianist from church from then I moved to guitar in 2014 then I started playing the saxophone in 2018.
“It’s now six years of playing the saxophone.”
Denilson said the business itself is growing daily, as many people would love to have him accompany them when they gift their loved ones.
“Every day, people are discovering the wonders of the saxophone which is inspiring others to copy and want the service,” he said. “Initially, this started as a passion without even knowing that it would turn into a business. I learned the saxophone with a desire to know the instrument.
“However, few people started liking the way I played the instrument and started booking until it turned into 1 000 people booking.
“So far, I have played for more than 5 000 people and have worked with musicians like Winky D, Baba Harare, Trevor Dongo, Takura and Nutty O, among others.”
Denilson said his highest peak of business is usually the festive season, holidays and Valentine’s Day.
“My charges usually range from US$200, if it’s a surprise delivery, it is US$500, if it’s a wedding appearance, for instance, it depends and yet per day, I service at least four clients,” he said.
Denilson has mastered the art of music as he researches on a particular song before negotiating with the client.
“Clients request the songs they want me to play and I do research about them and sometimes, will not have time to rehearse,” he said.
“I have a special music playlist for a special occasion or scenario and I talk to the client about it, helping them to decide and pick a song which suits their situation.”
Asked who his role model is, Denilson said he comes from Mexico.
“My role model is the popular saxophonist Luis Graziatto from Mexico,” he said. “I am inspired by the way he plays and his art, first time I was on YouTube looking for a saxophone, he was the first person I saw.”
Denilson said he cherishes the moment he rubbed shoulders with some of the powerful personalities of Zimbabwe and shared some of his greatest moments with the instrument.
“I was invited by the Vice President, Dr Constantino Chiwenga, to play for him, this made me jump as I was shocked and couldn’t believe it. I gave it my all,” he said.
“I also shared the same stage with big artistes like Jah Prayzah, Winky D, and Janet Manyowa. I was the opening act for the National Arts Merit Awards 2022 show.”
Surprisingly, with such a hectic schedule in his line of business, Denilson said so far he has had no blunders or challenges with clients.
“No blunder or mistake so far,” he said. “I haven’t been surprised by anyone in my life.”
Denilson said he aimed to be the biggest saxophonist in Zimbabwe.
“I see myself representing Zimbabwe at an international level, and hope to bring international awards with my name,” he said. “I wHant to be the world’s best saxophonist. I use music to heal people, and bring people together through music.”
Denilson said music is his profession.
“Music is my full-time job, however, I wanted to be an accountant, but I left that journey for music,” he said. “I wish to surprise Nigerian star Davido. He is one of my favourite artistes and inspirations as well.”
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter