Chronicle Editor
Millicent Andile Dube
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Legendary guitarist Simbarashe Hudson is set to relive five decades of music with a show that has been dubbed The Hudson Retrospective.
Hudson, who worked with the late great sungura maestro, Leonard Dembo in his formative years in Sizinda is one of the most revered people for his music and work in the city’s jazz scene. He worked with artistes such as Chiwoniso Maraire, Thomas Mapfumo and the late Andy Brown, among others.
“The idea of the show was informed by my desire to rejuvenate my music career which was stagnating and in danger of dying altogether. Retiring from art is impossible as art is a lifestyle, not a job,” Hudson said.
The event is set to be held at The Oasis in Belmont on Friday.
Hudson said the event will have surprise performances.
“Fitting a career spanning over four decades into a two-hour show is no mean feat. I’ll be playing a lot of my own compositions and a considerable number of songs from other artistes; songs I used to listen to as a teenager in the 70s and songs that have inspired me over the decades,” he said.
The revered guitarist is set to release three new albums that he has been working on for some time and he plans to start recording more music.
“I still believe in music that’s produced through musicians performing the music as opposed to making music using a computer. There’s nothing wrong with making music using beats from the computer, but I’d advise young musicians who intend to do live shows to try and record their music live as this makes it easier to do live performances,” he said.
To remain relevant in the music scene and capture young crowds, Hudson said he worked hand in hand with his young band members to produce music that appeals to them.
“The young men in my band and team have helped curate some songs that I wouldn’t ordinarily listen to, but songs that define the music scene in the modern age. It was essential to curate these songs as the space is now owned by youngsters so we have to catch up to their ways if we have to remain relevant.
“The youngsters also have to learn how we used to do things as some things have to remain the same,” he said.
A late bloomer, Hudson ventured into music full time after spending 23 years as a locomotive driver at the National Railways of Zimbabwe. He released his first album, Now or Never in 2004 followed by Forgotten Tears in 2008.
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