adminPaul Pindani in Chinhoyi
Banker turned musician, Tongai “Chirandu” Tarubona, says music runs in his family.
The musical instructor and adjudicator said he cannot resist his calling. Chirandu said he perfected his musical career after enrolling at the Zimbabwe College of Music in 2011.
“I played in the pop workshops where students would undergo one hour of music theory and break up into groups for two-hour practical sessions and then regroup in the fourth hour to play as an ensemble.
“This lasted for 13 weeks and students were awarded a certificate at the end of the course,” he said.
Prior to his enrolment at the Zimbabwe College of music, Chirandu had recorded a demo CD with the support of Leonard Malunga and Innocent Mpala in Chitungwiza backed by the ZimSelect Band.
“Unfortunately, two weeks after recording the demo, Leonard passed away when we were still preparing the album for recording.
“This was a great setback as I had to look for another musician to work with to fill the void left by Leonard.
“Fortunately, I struck a deal with one of my mentors, McWillis Kamanga, who offered to render support to the recording of the album,” he said.
Chirandu said Kamanga also brought in the services of Amadhuve Sasha Lishomwa and Elizabeth Chihuri on backing vocals and two band members from Orchestra Dendera Kings for support as session musicians.
Chirandu said his first recording was Ndingafare Sei (2011), an eight-track album with songs such as Stress Marangiro Rudziiko; Michelle; Rudo Rwemanyepo; Connie; Ndingafaresei; Gupuro; and Ndabayiwa.
The album was followed by Zvinangwa (Goals) in 2012 and Rugare Nerunyararo the following year.
In 2014, he released Pfumvudza, Shambakodzi (2015) and Mainini Pakirawa in 2016. Chirandu compiled Mbwire-mbwire (Plastic Love) (2017), Kubuda Nekunyura Kwaro (2018)
Out to Dinner with Chirandu (2019) Tinoda Kufara (2020) Chitsuwa Cheuranda (Prison) (2020), Ndichiriko (Am Still Around) (2021) and Kakatanai (Help One Another) (2022).
Backed by the Black Identity Band, Chirandu commands a six-member group that started performing live shows in and around Harare in 2014.
Online Reporter