Gera shines at bridal Gala

Sunday Mail Bridal Gala.
It was surprising to see the youthful artiste exuding so much confidence and poise on stage, despite it being his first major show in his career.
“It was my first major show, and was more of a challenge. However, I even surprised myself with the level of confidence that I had and received a lot of positive comments after the show. This has given me the courage and strength to move on,” said Gera.
The young musician played three songs – “Marambadoro”, “Sango Rinopa Waneta” and “Everything” off his debut album, Sango Rinopa Waneta recorded at Metro Studios.
While most of his contemporaries play genres like urban grooves and hip hop, among others, Gera said he decided to go the jazz way because it was one music style that appealed to a cross section of listeners.
He also said jazz managed to effectively put across issues that are at the heart of people’s day to day living.
“I chose jazz because a lot of young artistes are concentrating on urban grooves but I chose to be different and use a music style that easily touches on all age groups.
“I feel artistes should be able to address issues that affect people in a special way,” Gera said.
Talking of jazz, one would think that the musician was always in that genre from the outset.
“I started playing gospel music in 1995 as a member of AFM youth choral group playing keyboards. In 1999 I then joined the main praise and worship team before joining Carol Mujokoro’s group and later doing the backing vocals for Pastor G.
“In 2007 I was then called to perform at the International Jazz Festival held in Victoria Falls and organised by Rooftop promotions where I backed Shingisai Suluma and Pastor G,” recalls Gera.
It was at that festival that Gera met the late Sam Mtukudzi, who was to become his close friend.
“He (Sam) motivated me a lot. But it was Alexio Kawara who later taught me how to write songs in a better way,” he said.
With this experience, Gera then decided to go solo, which has seen him recording his solo album recently.
The eight-track album tackles a variety of issues.
Born on August 11, 1981 in Harare, Gera said: “I was always told by my mother that I always loved music even as young as young as two, dancing to the late Safirio Madzikatire’s music.”
He was educated at Zuvarabuda Primary School and Glen Norah High 2 both in Glen Norah 2.
He is married to Past and together they are blessed with four-year-old son Akanakaishe Jaden.