adminMaria Chiguvari
VETERAN saxophonist and composer, Philip Svosve, says he is grateful to the Almighty for his long life.
This year, Svosve will celebrate 55 years in the game.
The 73-year-old is the only surviving founder member of Jabavu Drive.
“I celebrate everyday as I wake up to a new dawn.
“Everything is in God’s hands, He is the one who is taking good care of me.”
He feels lonely as some of old friends in the industry are no more.
“I feel very lonely because all of them have passed away, except John Muyambo (Chibhodhoro).
“I worked with the All Saints Band, Harare Mambos (B group) Co Axis, Delite and Venus Band, then Ocean City Band.
“James Chimombe joined the group when the OK Success Band, which he had been playing with, had disbanded,” he said.
Svosve, who lost legendary guitarist Nicholas Mugona last year, said life will never be the same without the late musician.
“Yes, we replaced him with another young man anonzi Billy Rakeem but it’s hard to find a perfect replacement in life,” he said.
Regarding the appeal of jazz music, Svosve said:
“It’s not being supported locally as it is in other countries like South Africa.
“I also boast of my own products.
“I’ve got three who are playing, notably Vusa Mtunzi, who is locally-based, and Isaac Sambo, who is now based in Malawi.”
Svosve started off as a bass guitarist when he learnt to play the instrument in 1968 after he joined Safirio Madzikatire.
In 1979, he left the band, after a fallout with Mukadota.
He then formed Co Axis with Joseph Musabika, the “Itai Cent Cent” hit maker.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter