Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
VETERAN music producer Bothwell Nyamhondera is under attack from Kadoma-based sungura musician, Solo Moyo.
The singer has accused Nyamhondera of delivering sub-par work in the sound while mixing his forthcoming album.
The 46-year-old said he is frustrated after entrusting Nyamhondera with the mixing of his upcoming album, “Zvandiri Ndozvanditori,” which was recorded at Antony Gasani Studios in Harare.
“I am very disappointed by the shoddy job done by mudhara Nyamhondera after all the faith I had in him,” Moyo told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
“To say he did a shoddy job would be an understatement. Perhaps pathetic best sums it up to be honest.
“The final product I received after he mixed the album was even worse than the raw recordings captured by Mr Gasani.”
The Kutinya Express frontman added:
“I have always respected him as an elder who has been in the game for years and has worked with many legendary musicians, including sungura icon Alick Macheso.
“He initially asked for US$200, but I added another US$100 to motivate him. Unfortunately, the product I received was far below my expectations.
“I don’t want my money back but, as a seasoned producer with an impressive track record, I expected exceptional quality.”
Moyo said the disappointing outcome forced him to seek another producer after missing his intended release date.
“It is unfortunate that I was disappointed by the person I trusted the most.
“He is a veteran producer who understands the industry. I have nothing more to say.
“I did my part, and for the sake of peace, I will not comment further.
“I even approached Gidza Power out of desperation but I later realised Antony Gasani was the right person to complete the job.
“In fact, I regret not assigning him (Gasani) to handle the entire project from the beginning.
“My only relief is that he eventually mixed the album, and I am happy with the final result,” he said.
Contacted for comment, Nyamhondera confirmed that he mixed Moyo’s album but said he was surprised by the musician’s allegations.
“Yes, the album was recorded by Antony Gasani, who brought me the data for mixing. I simply did my job to the best of my ability,” Nyamhondera said.
“He paid me well and I spent several days working on the project.
“If he was dissatisfied, he should have come back to me and shared his concerns.
“As producers, we take artists’ feedback seriously. Had he approached me, I would have addressed the issues,” he said.
Nyamhondera said he would contact both Moyo and Gasani to understand the case better.
“I will call them and hear exactly what they are saying,” he added.
Gasani, who eventually mixed the album, confirmed that Moyo returned to him after expressing dissatisfaction with the earlier mix.
“I recorded the album and later gave the files to Nyamhondera for mixing.
“Solo Moyo later told me he was unhappy with the outcome and asked me to complete the mixing.
“Before returning to me, he had also approached another producer but he eventually came back for assistance,” Gasani said.
He, however, stopped short of blaming Nyamhondera.
“It is not necessarily that my elder, Nyamhondera, did a poor job. These things happen quite often in music production.
“When recording, producers use different effects and techniques and, sometimes the person who recorded the music understands the project better during the mixing stage.
“I have worked with Nyamhondera for many years, and I cannot entirely blame him. These situations do happen in the music industry,” he said.
Inspired by the late Leonard Dembo and Tongai Moyo, Solo Moyo has steadily built a name for himself on the sungura scene.
