Gomba happy with part-time jobs

Society Reporter

REVERED drummer Obert “Double Kicker” Gomba says he is content with his current situation — being a session artiste — and, thus, has no plans to join any band on a full-time basis.

This comes after the former Orchestra Mberikwazvo band member was linked with a possible move to Baba Harare’s group — The City Vibration Band.

Gomba has been working with the Jiti singer, Baba Harare, on his forthcoming album that is due for release next month.

“I graduated in the music industry when I left Alick Macheso in 2013. I left the country four years later after a brief stint with Extra Kwazvose. I then came back to Zimbabwe in February this year and have been concentrating more on my solo career,” said Gomba in an interview.

The 43-year-old drummer was part of the quartet that included Jonasi Kasamba, Noel Nyazanda and Franco “Slomo” Dhaka, which left Alick Macheso to form Extra Kwazvose.

However, it was not long before Kasamba and Nyazanda retraced their footsteps and rejoined Orchestra Mberikwazvo.

“Working under Macheso was like being at a school of music as I learnt a lot. It will be wrong for me to seek employment. I have to stand on my own, managing my personal projects. At the moment, I only assist fellow artistes on a part-time basis,” he said.

Gomba also ruled out rejoining Macheso’s band.

“Recently, I played drums for Baba Harare on his soon-to-be-released work. I also have several other artistes who want to enlist my services and I am open for business. I have also been hired to play at several events, including weddings.

“I do not have any plans to rejoin Macheso, even if I get a lucrative offer. I am happy and respect what I am doing at the moment. The only way to grow in life is to be your own man. However, let me be quick to point out that I have no problem with my former boss. I am always in touch with him and even seek advice from him,” said Gomba.

The drummer intends to open a music academy to nurture fresh talent.

“In the near future, I am planning to open an academy to mentor young artistes who want to play drums and learn other things to do with the music industry. The likes of Norman Tapambwa and Clive Mono Mukundu are doing it. It was also the same case with the late Dr Oliver Mtukudzi.”