Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
URBAN contemporary singer Ngonidzashe Kambarami takes pride in his new profession as a truck driver in the United Kingdom, where he has been living for six years.
Although he faced a challenging first year due to Covid-19, the singer, known for his love songs, has expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity.
His desire is to ensure that he does his best to provide for his family while using his influence to change many lives back home.
“I have finally settled in the United Kingdom with my family, where I have stayed for the past six years, and I have adjusted to life overseas,” he shared.
“My first year here was a bit challenging since I had to spend the entire time at home due to the pandemic. When the restrictions were lifted, I started working like most people do here.
“At one point, I was an excavator operator, a forklift driver, and now a truck driver, which has helped me sustain my family.”
Despite his busy schedule in the UK factories and warehouses, Kambarami told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub that he remains grounded.
“Growing up with strict parents back home in Zimbabwe meant that one needed to be disciplined, which I still maintain here in the UK. I am also proud of my job because I can now support my wife, who is a nurse by profession here. These are the kinds of jobs many of us do, and I am proud of what I have become,” he stressed.
Kambarami, who turned 42 last month, was also overwhelmed by the love and support from his fans after several years away from home.
“It was a birthday with a difference for me because I had just travelled to Kadoma for the festival. It was just good vibes being surrounded by these stars. I even played a few songs and was shocked that many people still remembered me years after I left home. I was encouraged to keep making more music to enhance my profile,” Kambarami noted.
He also appreciated the new crop of artists who are now operating in a better environment, with sponsors aiding them.
“I am quite impressed by the progress I am seeing at the moment because most of the youngsters are driving expensive cars and investing in many things. This was not the case when we started back in the day; one would buy a car maybe after six years of hard work. I am also happy for these guys because they have strong financial backing compared to us, who were doing it for fun when we started,” recalled the singer.
Musically, Kambarami revealed he has not stopped recording, although the marketing side made it seem like he had taken a sabbatical.
“Music has always been my first love, and each time I get an opportunity to go into the studio, I don’t hesitate to record. In the UK, I am always in touch with Decibel and Leonard Mapfumo.
“We sometimes organise our own shows, and we are happy with the progress we are making there,” he pointed out.
He continued: “When I moved here, I never stopped recording music, and I have quite a number of projects, including the ‘Singles Collection’ of 2020, which had 21 tracks. In 2021, I released two singles — ‘I’m Sorry’ and ‘Dai Mauya’ — which were followed by ‘Zvamunona’ and ‘Limitless’ a year later.
“In fact, I never stopped recording; I went on to record another single featuring Decibel and Mapfumo. Over the years, I have worked with T Man, Doctor Tawanda, Shawndee, Professor Lalo, Puro the Best, Mafana, Nagz, DJ Fydale, just to mention a few.”
He lamented the spike in drug and substance abuse that he noticed during his brief return home.
“I was home for a month and managed to visit Mabvuku-Tafara, where I was raised by my parents. I was shocked by the cases of drug and substance abuse I saw and heard.
“I might not have enough money to build rehabilitation centres, but my desire is to use my voice to campaign against this. I have engaged a number of young men in Mabvuku and realised that the current generation needs to be saved. If these issues, like drug abuse, happen at your doorstep or nearby, you will understand them, and in my case, I was really touched.”
As he juggles life overseas, Kambarami still loves his roots.
“We came here to work for our families, but the ultimate goal is to return home and settle when all goes according to plan. It is my desire to come back home at the right time and help my people,” he said.
