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Lovemore Meya Arts Correspondent
South Africa-based Zimbabwean guitarist and producer, Louis Mhlanga, has hailed local artistes for their talent and urged them to remain focused. Speaking on the sidelines of the Harare Jazz Festival, which was held over the weekend at Spook House in Msasa, the award winning guitarist said he was impressed by how the local talent is growing.
He said dedication is the key in everything that one does in life and success comes with hard work.
“I have been listening to good music from the local musicians, especially the upcoming artistes and I am very impressed that there is a lot of talent coming out in the country. We need more and more of this talent,” he said.
Mhlanga took the opportunity to urge upcoming artistes to be more focused on creating their base than rushing for fame and money.
“Upcoming musicians should know that there are no short-cuts in music, you have to be serious with your art, and music demands more. It is not something that one can take so lightly.
“Music is also fun, but it is just like any other form of art that one should take seriously. If you are a painter you have to show it, if you are a mechanic, prove it and anything that you do be good at it,” he said.
Mhlanga commended musicians to take heart and earn respect through their artistry.
“The most challenging part of being a musician is getting recognition with the local people you meet on a daily basis. It takes time for people to appreciate you because you stay with them, but when you visit other countries for performances, you become someone.
“They will start to respect you after missing you for some time and you have to prove your mettle,” he said.
Mhlanga left for South Africa in 1988 and would visit home when there are activities that demanded his presence like the jazz festivals organised by Sam Mataure.
During his performance last Saturday, Mhlanga took his legion of fans down memory lane belting his best tunes including his hit “Distant Lover”.
Online Reporter