adminCatch them young is the motto that portrays the drive behind Ndlovu’s vision. The musician has so far managed to acquire seven pianos set to be donated to the schools in a bid to revive a sense of cultural belonging.
Hailing from Bulawayo, the musician spent most of his life in Zurich, Switzerland, and Germany where he staged numerous shows with his band, the Children of
Nandi, only to resettle in South Africa with his wife.
His track Meet Me in Zimbabwe created shock waves during the artiste’s heydays.
In an interview, Ndlovu said his main aim was to re-introduce music in schools, particularly in the western suburbs.
“My main intention is to give back to the community by re-introducing music in the western suburbs where the masses are.
“So far, I have managed to acquire seven pianos and I am looking forward to getting more musical instruments such as violins,” said the former Lobengula and Mpumelelo primary schools pupil.
Ndlovu also said it is disheartening for children to grow up with a sense of inequality.
“Every child deserves the right to have good childhood memories which is why I intend to create a balance between the haves and have-nots.
“My vision is for people to appreciate a good violinist emerging from Makokoba and if a child from such a background can play such instruments expertly, then we can talk of our very own future Zaharas,” he said.
The singer also said many great musicians have a deep musical background that can be traced to their culture.
“When we talk about music, we talk about culture.
“Many legendary musicians’ tracks are timeless because of the deep musical background that links with their culture,” he said.
Ndlovu bemoaned digitalised music particularly by DJs whom he challenged to be unique.
“I am concerned by the rate at which digitalised music is spreading which I strongly believe is killing the music industry.
“Everyone wants to become a DJ nowadays and it is pointless because they all sound the same. I have a war with the DJs and I want each and every one of them to know that nothing beats a live band performance,” Ndlovu fumed.
Ndlovu said if six to eight-year-olds were groomed at a tender age along cultural lines, future musicians with a sense of belonging would emerge.
He also urged promoters to treasure local artistes because they are the future.
“Local promoters should not get carried away by international artistes. It is very funny how local music lovers know so much about the so-called acclaimed artistes.
“After all has been said and done those people do not have time to play our music on their stations, neither do they make time to find out about our culture.
“I urge local promoters to invest in local artistes,” he said.
The bassist also paid his respect to Thomas Mapfumo, the late Leonard Dembo and Andy Brown, among other legendary musicians, for singing music with a home-grown flair.
Ndlovu, however, bemoaned the rate at which great musicians are failing to endure the long but promising musical careers after succumbing to numerous diseases.
Benson Dube, Ndlovu’s public relations officer, said they would be embarking on a an HIV/Aids campaign this year so as to conscientise fellow musicians on the dangers of the scourge.
The campaign has been dubbed I am HIV Positive and its set to commence this year.
“Many people, artistes included, have succumbed to the deadly HIV/Aids. I fully support Ndlovu’s campaign to combat the deadly virus and I urge other artistes to take part,” he said.
Ndlovu also said he intends to stage live performances in the country sometime this year and would be helping his daughter, Nongoma, find her feet on the local scene.
Dube also challenged philanthropists to chip in supporting local arts.
Online Reporter