Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
CONGOLESE rhumba star Pitshou Lumiere is adjusting to life in the United Kingdom.
He left Zimbabwe, which had been his home for a number of years, in December last year.
The Diamond Musica frontman expressed his joy at being reunited with his wife, Belinda Musarira, and their daughter, Marie Jose Tawana Minsiomi.
In an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub from his new base, the choreographer expressed his excitement about this new chapter in his life. He believes that he has made the right move to the UK. “I am now based in London, where I am staying with my family,” he said.
“My wife’s name is Belinda Musarira, and my daughter’s name is Marie Jose Tawana Minsiomi.
“Of course, I had settled well in Zimbabwe, which will always remain close to my heart, but there are times when you need to be near your family.
“It’s a good feeling to be reunited with your family, and that bond is necessary in life.”
Pitshou, who is credited with promoting rhumba in this country, has vowed to continue making music overseas.
“I was born a musician, and I won’t stop doing what I love the most.
“I have been holding rehearsals twice a week, and it’s coming out well.
“I am backed by Congolese musicians here, and not much has changed,” he said.
He, however, conceded that the UK music market is somewhat different compared to Zimbabwe.
“There is a significant difference here in how music is done compared to Zimbabwe, where you only need to put up posters and hold a show every week.
“In the United Kingdom, a lot of planning and online marketing is required for one to be embraced by fans.
“For your information, my first show is on June 27 in Northampton, which means I have five months to prepare for this big occasion,” he said.
The “Did is Good” hit-maker was eager to learn from overseas promoters who take their jobs seriously.
“I have always wanted to learn from the best, and I am simply doing that to ensure that we also make an impact.
“I am confident that I will make an impression and that everything will also fall into place since I am still settling in the United Kingdom.”
Pitshou has also given his former band members in Zimbabwe the green light to continue fulfilling his slot at The Fortress Pub in Harare.
“I can’t stop them from making music because that’s their source of livelihood.
“On that note, they are still carrying on with my slot that I used to have at The Ambassador Hotel in Harare.
“The only difference now is that they are not using the name Diamond Musical, and it’s up to them to find a new name.
“The reason they are not using Diamond Musical is that I am the face of the band, and it would appear as if they are selling a dummy to the fans,” he explained.
Hardly two months after moving to the UK, Pitshou revealed he misses Zimbabwe badly.
“I miss Zimbabwe, especially the food, environment, and social life.
“Here in the United Kingdom, people are always busy with work, and their social life is also very different. I am also adjusting to life here overseas.
“Given a chance, I would come back to Zimbabwe to reconnect with peers who have become part of my family.
“However, I must concentrate more on life here in the UK because it took a lot of sacrifice for me and my family to be here,” he said.
Mathew Masinge