adminEntertainment Reporter
SUNGURA is no doubt the most followed genre on the local music scene.
It’s a genre, which is insanely popular in both rural and urban areas.
However, most sungura artists lack originality as they want to sound like superstar Alick Macheso, and this has killed its appeal.
Over the years, originality and creativity characterised the genre as variety was guaranteed.
Names that instantly come to mind when talking about originality are John Chibadura, Leonard Dembo, Four Brothers, Paul Matavire, Gakamoto Jumbo Stars, Wrist Brothers, System Tazvida, Ngwenya Brothers and Admire Kasenga among others.
However, a new sungura game-changer has been born and is determined to set the ball rolling.
Knowledge “KK” Kasiyandima, who fronts Zvemberi Express, seems to be the answer.
The 42-year-old, who has been honing his skills with little known groups, has released his debut album titled Zviuya Zviri Mberi.
The album carries six tracks, ‘‘Hupenyu Hwemari’’, ‘‘Mativenga’’, ‘‘Zvedzinza’’, ‘‘Mainini Jessy’’ and ‘‘Zviuya’’. Kasiyandima is backed by a committed six-piece band.
“I started music in the 1990s, but I could not record my music. I studied auto electronics, and my job is so demanding that I didn’t have enough time to rehearse my music,” he said.
“I started off as a drummer and later learnt to play the guitar at a young age.
“My passion for music started when I was still in the rural areas and I was blessed to meet a guy called Joseph Pingana (late) when I came to stay in Rugare. Pingana was the band leader of the now defunct Metro Stars, which I served for years after mastering the keys.”
Kasiyandima said he was devastated when he lost his mentor. “There are some people who come into your life for a reason, especially Joseph Pingana. I’m happy that he helped a soul and I can now play music and I will always take his advice.
“He used to advise me to be distinct and that is my wish. I will maintain that principle,” he said.
Outlining his vision, Kasiyandima said he was determined to go international.
“I have heard people saying sungura does not have an international appeal, but we are out to prove these people wrong that sungura can sell overseas. I would like to be one of the people to take it overseas and put Zimbabwe on the international map,” he said.
Like other artists, he also faces challenges in the field. “The major challenge we face at the moment is lack of instruments. Marketing wise, I believe in my managers Mr Tich and Mr Taps Nyandoro.
“These guys have done wonders in a short space of time that I have met them. I can’t thank them enough,” he said.
Nyandoro said Kasiyandima was a rare sungura artist who believes in originality.
“Like what he has said, KK is a unique artist who only plays his own compositions. He can’t play copyrights and that makes him unique. As part of his management team, we pray that he continues working hard. He will have a live radio launch in March, which will be followed by a number of shows. We are also shooting his videos,” he said.
Kasiyandima was born in a family of six – four boys and two girls. Being the first born, Kasinyandima believes he has the responsibility to look after his siblings.
His parents are both still alive.
He attended Chikwirandaombera Primary School in Guruve before moving to Chifamba Secondary School in the same area. After completing his O-Level in 1997, he enrolled at Emmanuel Andrews College where he studied auto electric. A father of five, Kasiyandima is now based in Harare. He has lined up a series of shows in and outside Harare to promote his new album, Zviuya Zviri Mberi.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter