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Valerie Mpundu
YESTERYEAR musician, Matthew Kaunda, is still in the game despite keeping a low profile.
Better known by his moniker Mateo, the crooner disappeared from the public eye in 2005, leaving many of his fans guessing on his whereabouts.
The gifted composer hogged the limelight with the track ‘Washayei’ in 1997 before he unleashed ‘Pamuhacha’, a timeless classic of his 1998 album named ‘Asambe Africa’.
The album, which dominated the airwaves, made him and his group a force to reckon with as they dominated the airwaves. His group, which had the likes of Willom Tight and Patience Musa in its ranks, created lasting memories on the local showbiz landscape.
In an interview, Mateo took The Herald Arts down memory lane sharing what he has been up to since 2005.
A born-again Christian, Mateo has been focusing more on his spiritual journey.
“Well, I did not completely go silent as most people would think. Instead, I decided to slow things down a bit and pursue a spiritual path with my family.
“For almost 12 years, I had been trying to fill in several roles to make Mateo and Friends project viable but all of this took a toll on me. I decided to strengthen my relationship with Jehovah, God and focus more on my family. There was a lot of catching up to do as so much had transpired,” he said.
He recalled how in 2007 he managed to record an album with the late Andy Brown at his home studio. The album featured Ammara Brown in her teens, Mercy Utsiwegota and other emerging artists.
Prior to being musically active at church, Mateo has been doing a couple of selected gigs just to keep himself in shape.
“I did a comeback show with Patience Musa and Willom Tight at Theatre in the Park as Mateo and friends in 2022. A couple of months later, Dino Mudondo, Willom Tight and I came together for a memorable nostalgic performance at last year’s Jacaranda Music Festival.
“I believe we put up one of the best performances ever and it did ignite memories.”
Mateo commended various artistes holding fort by embracing technology to push their work as times have changed.
“Unlike in the past when we relied solely on record sales and live performances for income, the industry is now diversified making it possible for artistes to have a sustainable livelihood.
“With the advent of social media, it is very exciting and encouraging to notice that a handful of local musicians have fully embraced this very powerful and influential platform,” he said.
Mateo encouraged unity among artistes, highlighting its significant impact on growth in the industry.
“I believe art thrives a lot better when we collaborate as artistes,” he echoed.
However, Mateo lamented the lack of support for the growth of the arts scene.
“Frankly speaking, and not that I want to sound pessimistic about all the genuine and sincere efforts that have been put into this industry, over the years very little has changed in terms of infrastructure and the general public’s opinion.”
On a positive note, Mateo’s song ‘Pamuhacha’ has been selected as the theme song for Starbrite 2024. He said he felt honoured with the recognition that he got.
“A few weeks ago, I was deeply humbled when I was invited to be one of the judges at the 12th edition of Starbrite Talent Show (semi-finals).
The musician is currently working with some friends teaching and training different youngsters to play various types of instruments as well as vocal training.
Asked whether he was grooming his children to pursue music, he hinted that his daughter was following in his footsteps.
“I think it’s still early days to make any conclusions but I see a lot of potential in her,” he said.
Mateo also contested in the 1993 Starbrite edition marking his way to success.
He is also known for popular songs such as ‘Waenda’, ‘Ndiripano’ and ‘Watoda Rugare’. He had a cameo role in Albert Nyathi’s emotional song ‘Senzeni Na’ in 1994. He currently resides in Domboshava, far from the madding crowd.
Online Reporter