adminFungayi Munyoro : Weekender Correspondent
Yeovil based RnB budding artiste Abel Matt (Abel Mataranyika) delighted his fans during the launch of his seven track EP (Extended Play) at Mutare Arts Gallery recently. The event was graced by several local artistes. It was a big day for the Midlands State University student as a commendable crowed attended the launch.“I realised that I have to broaden my publicity first before releasing an album so the EP is going to be the instrument to market my name,” said Abel.
Abel who recently joined the RnB family has already released two hot singles, My Only One and Testimony which are receiving rave reviews on local radio stations. He proved that he is a force to reckon with in the RnB circles with an electric performance.
Abel had the crowd eating from his hands as he heralded new songs which most in the audience were hearing for the first time. Performing in a full house would have proved to be a tall order for many upstarts but not with Abel.
The songs on the EP include I Love You, Testimony, Only One, Bye Bye Love, Ndiwe Wega, Thank You Mama and the song of the moment, If I Let You Go.
On the song Testimony, the 21-year-old singer talks about his personal experiences as he was growing up. In Thank You Mama, Abel said that he wrote it as a dedication to his mother.
“This one is a dedication to my mother since she is a source of inspiration. It is also a dedication to all the sweet mothers out there,” he said.
Abel’s lyrics are inspirational and are merged with new sound that appeals to listeners. The artiste said that he has managed to strike a balance between music and his books.
“People who have heard my music are really appreciating it, I am having awesome responses. I don’t know what tomorrow has for me, so I am taking music seriously so as I do to my books. Education is demanding but I have managed to strike a balance,” he said.
The young artiste said that the future of music is promising though there is piracy to deal with.
“Local music industry is promising and with the issue of digitalisation, more of our content is being played on television and radio station. The coming of a radio station in Mutare is a big opportunity for us locally, more airplay is guaranteed.
“The music industry is fast growing looking at the recognition of other local artistes more than regional artists on various platforms availed depicts the development of our music industry.
“Piracy is really a threat but there are always those people willing to buy good music. Some are very supportive and not everyone is up to piracy,’’ he added.
Online Reporter