Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
LIVING legend Bothwell Nyamhondera will be honoured for shaping the local music landscape during a musical appreciation gala scheduled for the Harare International Conference Centre on Saturday.
Superstar Alick Macheso, Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria, Amai Olivia Charamba, Amai Respina Patai, Somandla Ndebele, Baba Machanic Manyeruke, and US-based ethnomusicology teacher King Isaac, are expected to perform at the event.
It is being coordinated by fellow musician, producer and multimedia specialist Pastor Herman Chimosoro and will begin in the morning and end at 6 pm.
Nyamhondera has over 40 years in the music industry.
He has recorded the majority of artists who passed through Grammar Records and the Zimbabwe Music Corporation (ZMC), among other labels.
“I am humbled by this noble gesture, as I will be remembered this weekend at HICC,” he said.
“It has been a tough journey full of thorns and I am glad to be recognised. It feels good to be appreciated while I am still alive, I never expected this.”
Reflecting on how he managed to work with artists from diverse backgrounds, Nyamhondera firmly believes it was God’s calling.
“It just happened naturally and I am glad to finally receive credit for ushering in new talent that we still enjoy today.
“I was only doing my job as a producer, showing them that there was light at the end of the tunnel.”
Before the technological revolution, musicians would send demo tapes that were sampled by producers for consideration.
“There are major changes that have taken place in the music sector. There are some things we can control and some we cannot.
“Nowadays, music production has been simplified but quality is what matters in the end. I have noticed that money talks nowadays, as several producers no longer consider many factors like talent.
“You just pay your money and everything is created for you in terms of beats and such.”
Pastor Chimosoro confirmed that preparations were going on smoothly.
“Everything has gone according to plan and I have spoken to all the artists in this line-up. It’s a done deal with Macheso, Soma and Madzibaba, who have benefitted a lot from Nyamhondera.
“Of course, there is King Isaac flying all the way to Zimbabwe to grace the event in honour of Nyamhondera, who supported him during his music recordings.”
Chimosoro said the Charambas will not perform as a couple this time.
Amai Charamba will have her separate slot, while her husband will perform before Macheso’s closing act.
“We want to finish the show at 6pm to ensure that fans can attend to other errands after honouring their legend. We want people to return home while it is still early because it is winter.
“I came up with this idea after realising that his work and contribution to the music industry deserved to be documented.
“I have been compiling his documents for the past 23 years and now is the right time for us as industry players to ensure that he receives the attention he deserves as a living legend.”
He also revealed how the late Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi blessed his move.
