adminWeekender Correspondent
AWARD-winning Afro-jazz star Victor Kunonga aims to become an international music icon as he embarks on his ‘Coming Out Tour’ locally and abroad this year.Kunonga will be back in Mutare next Friday at Golden Peacock Hotel’s Club Glow as he continues with his countrywide tour.
Kunonga and his band, Peace, are back by popular demand after a brilliant show in February at the club where they dazzled revellers with their well-polished vocals and attention-grabbing dance choreographies.
The Mayidarirei and Mamurega hit-maker has over the years blossomed to become one of the most-venerated afro-jazz artistes in the country since he entered the industry in 2004 as a novice.
This year at the recently held Harare International Festival of Arts, Kunonga dazzled at the ZOL main stage as closing acts along with the legendary Salif Keita.
His performance was spiced up by collaborations with two Iranian friends, Ramin Khalatbari and his son Abed Khalatbari as well as a percussionist from Burkina Faso.
This was his second performance a HIFA, having debuted at the festival back in 2008, but his first at the ZOL main stage, which shows how he is now recognised among the best crooners in the country.
With his unique style of fusing Chimurenga music and contemporary mbira, Kunonga’s music has often been credited for its originality and deep-lyrics usually on social commentary.
Kunonga’s manager Walter Wanyanya confirmed the Mutare show.
He said the “Coming Out Tour” was meant to present Kunonga to the people.
“This year we plan on touring Europe for the first time as we have lined up tours for Hungary, Norway, Germany and Italy. Regionally we want to expand to Zanzibar and Kenya.
“In past years, we just toured Southern Africa, but it is time for the world to meet Victor Kunonga as he comes out,” said Wanyanya.
Last year in December, Kunonga released his fourth album Kwedu.
Online Reporter