Jazz crooner finds groove

Shingirirayi Mugodi

UPCOMING jazz musician, Shepherd “Professor Muzvinafundo” Chitapa, is set to launch his debut album entitled Tiri Musango on July 8 at Eastpoint.

Chitapa began his musical career in 2001 and has been releasing singles.

In an interview with H-Metro, Chitapa said this year was the time to release his first album.

“I have been singing since 2001 and I have been releasing singles since then.

“I have been recording music for this album for a while now and was waiting for the right time to release it.

“I am strongly hoping that people are going to like it as I took ample time to prepare it,” he said.

The album comes with 12 songs.

“The songs on the album are Tirimusango, Ngoma, Shami, Gona, Mai Mwana, Pindirai, Chipo, Mona, Muroora, Anotiyambutsa, Chipfukuto and Makandirera.

“Of these songs, two of them I collaborated with Tryson and Sulu Chimbetu,” said Chitapa.

Asked what the songs on the album talk about, he said:

“The main theme you get from the album is love, it talks of the need to love one another.

“There are some songs on the album that encourage the youth to work, so that they can be able to fend for themselves.

“The third and last theme, which can be derived here, is that of the need to help out widows and orphans.”

The Jazz musician says he draws his inspiration from some fellow Zimbabwean musicians.

“I have always wanted to be able to sing and record music like the late Oliver Mtukudzi.

“I believe that Tuku, Andy Muridzo and Jah Prayzah inspired me to be where I am today,” he said.