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NOMADIC bass guitarist Spencer Khumulani, who has managed to bring back the glory days and stabilised Utakataka Express band, has expressed confidence in his newly assembled sungura ensemble and believes he has a point to prove in the music industry as a solo artiste. Many know him as the late Tongai “Dhewa” Moyo’s side-kick and Utakataka Express bassist who recorded more than five albums including the chartbuster Naye which carries the award-winning song Nemumvura mese.
He also did the unthinkable in 2011 when he left Utakataka Express after Dhewa’s untimely departure and joined Energy Mutodi together with vocalist Gift “Shiga Shiga” Katulika, a decision which was received with mixed feelings by many music pundits.
He also earlier on had stints with Alick Macheso, Somandla “Mafia” Ndebele and Brian “Main Actor” Samaita.
He last year returned to Utakataka Express although he separately leads own band and recently released a debut album titled Ndine hurombo.
The six-track project is laden with hard-core sungura tracks. Khumulani, the lead vocalist on all songs, exhibited exceptional talent in composing, arranging and vocals. He blends well with a bunch of inexperienced but ambitious guitarists such as Lloyd Shereni (lead guitarist) Kudakwashe Miranzi (rhythm) and Pieman Chinyani (drums) especially on the title track Ndine hurombo.
Other tracks on the album recorded at Gramma Records are Hazvina mhaka, Ndashaya wangu, Ita zvada moyo and Shamwari inovimbika.
In an interview on the sidelines of a sold-out show where Peter Moyo partnered Oliver “Samanyanga” Mtukudzi at The Platinum last weekend, Khumulani said his new solo album has helped him appreciate his artistic ingenuity better.
That night, Khumulani stole the limelight. He was the main attraction and his guitar-strumming prowess captivated hundreds of fans who thronged the venue.
“I realised that I have a lot to prove to my fans and fellow musicians by pursuing on a solo project. I have vast experience in the music industry and I had to show by coming up with my unique product.
Response on my new album is overwhelming and encouraging. My fans have given me the reason to keep going. I drifted from the Utakataka Express sound because I feel originality is one virtue a talented artiste should possess,” he said
Online Reporter