adminMercy Ngwebvu
TALENTED and dynamic music producer, Abel T, has vowed to continue with his struggle to stardom, adding that he will take his fans and clients with him as his success is a journey that he cannot go alone
Abel Tatenda Nyawanhu, affectionately known as Abel T specialises in music production, video filming, editing and directing, mainly for upcoming artistes who are trying to make it in the industry.
“I have produced music for almost every genre, but nowadays I am specialising mainly in Zim-dancehall and hip-hop because they are proving to be the most popular genres. Most of the artistes I work with are still upcoming and I feel like I have a duty to assist them because I was once in their position and I really understand how difficult it can be for an artiste to find their feet in the music industry because it is highly competitive. I have also worked with other renowned artistes and my latest project is Hosiah Chipanga’s DVD, Mabasa which has been received quite well by Mutare,” he said in an interview.
Asked from whom he drew his inspiration, Abel T told The Weekender that he looks up to Nigerian singer and music producer, Don Jazzy, expressing optimism that the Zimbabwean music industry is on the right track in as far as international standards are concerned.
As part of his achievements, Abel T has recorded over 30 dancehall artistes from Dangamvura and Sakubva and is set to launch a debut compilation of these artistes by end of this month.
He, however, lamented the fact that only a few of his artistes get airplay on national radio, probably because of the stiff competition in the industry as most youths are into dancehall music.
“I have produced work for a lot of artistes, but only a few of them are getting airplay on stations like ZiFm and StarFM. I have figured out that this is because most artistes are trying out their talent in Zim-dancehall so much so that these radio stations make Harare artistes their first priority, thereby putting artistes from other provinces at a disadvantage,” said Abel T.
Not only is Abel T a music producer, he is also an air conditioning engineer with a diploma attained at the Mutare Polytechnic.
The Weekender also learnt that Abel T started his music career when he was still doing Form Three at St Mary’s Magdalene High School in Nyanga before joining Big Jokar Records where he is still attached.
Said Abel T: “Music is in my bones. I started pursuing music when I was still in high school. I spend most of my time researching on music and I have plans to study music, in about a year’s time.”
ENDS
Online Reporter