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RENOWNED Harare-based music producer, Macdonald Chidavaenzi, has praised Mutare musicians for their hard work.Chidavaenzi, fondly known as Macdee in the music circles, was in Mutare for the whole week recording music.
“Mutare has talented musicians and I met a lot of great musicians, among them Vocal Union Boys, who sing gospel, Flexxo who is into hip-hop, Baba Andile and Kritic Igwee (hip-hop), Jay Michael, T-dancehall and Billy as well as Rutendo Ngoreta, who are into gospel.
“The list is endless. I am signing some of the artistes and will work with them as they want to release their singles.
“I will also nurture their talent and ensure that they grow professionally. All I look for in a musician is talent, passion and the skill that enables one to combine both the passion and talent,” said the 30-year-old producer.
Macdee grew up in Waterfalls and was first identified by his uncle at a tender age of 10 while creating music from wooden planks.
He was encouraged to enrol for piano lessons at Frank Johnson Primary School. His parents were so supportive and bought him a small keyboard that helped him reach his goal.
His first ever music award came in 1996 at Frank Johnson as he was named pianist of the year.
For high school, he enrolled at Msengezi High School where he won the best and versatile music producer award and since then he has never looked back.
Chidavaenzi has been a music producer for 11 years and has worked with a number of well-known artistes.
He has produced albums that are either award-winning or nominated for top accolades.
In 2006 he won best producer award.
The following year he produced Pfimbi Yangu by Alexio Kawara and it won the 2007 National Arts Merit Award, while Extra Large’s Still at Large was nominated for a NAMA award.
“There have been many awards from the materials I have produced in the past 11 years. Personally I have scooped a single award after being named producer of the year in 2006.
“The rest come from the work of my hands and in short there are too many awards to mention,” said Macdee.
Macdee’s strength is in his diversity from urban to dancehall, jazz and gospel. He is also the founder of the popular gospel outfit, Zimpraise.
Asked how people responded to his visit to Mutare, he had this to say: “People here loved and appreciated my visit and they wanted me to extend my stay, but I have other pressing commitments in Harare.”
Macdee said plans were underway to set up a studio in Mutare.
“I might second one of my producers here, but my headquarters will always be in Harare because I invested quite a bit” said the talented producer.
Macdee urged musicians to work hard and take their music to the next level.
“Piracy has always been there, but if we keep on working hard we can take this industry to the next level. Once our economy improves, our industry will be revived,” said Macdee.
Online Reporter