Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
PAULINE Gundidza believes the revival of urban grooves music has slipped into second gear, particularly with the excitement surrounding the new collaborations between her, Maskiri and Tererai.
Pauline believes urban grooves, which was dormant for years, is on the path to resurgence.
The founder of Mafriq said fans appear to be expressing a strong preference for urban grooves, citing its unique quality.
Maskiri recently released two singles, one featuring Pauline and another featuring Tererai.
Maskiri and Pauline featured on a song titled “Anotigona,” produced by Bleqboi The Dan.
He collaborated on “Muchibage” with Tererai. In the past, the duo collaborated on the hit song “naMwari” featuring Natty Gee.
In an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Pauline said the aim was to rekindle interest in urban grooves.
“We created content to feed into the urban grooves fans database, they have been starved of music from our genre.
“This is Maskiri’s project, he did a song with me and another one with Tererai.Our fans say they prefer the quality and taste of urban grooves compared to the genres that are considered trending nowadays so we are busy recording more music.
“Roki has recently released a single, EXQ is about to release an album, I have just released an EP, urban grooves is slowly coming back. There are also many events, such as my recent birthday party and urban grooves bashes at Londoners, just to mention a few.”
Pauline said this renewed interest from fans has prompted her and other artists to get back to work, churning out music which resonates with their audience.
Pauline will officially host her listening party for new music, an EPtitled ‘Ndauya,’ at Fairy Café on August 29.
The main track is ‘Ndauya’, a gospel song, then there is ‘Tisunungureiwo’, a traditional mbira and trap song. There is also ‘Rudo Rwataakuita’, featuring Maskiri, with Superwoman, Ma Key, Purpose and Teerera Moyo completing the line-up.
“As one of the pioneers of the urban grooves movement and the former lead singer of the iconic Afrocentric band, Mafriq and now a seasoned and versatile artist, this debut compilation tells the story of my life through music.
“The EP is a variety of Afro-fusion tracks which I feel are my strong points. The songs are also a story of my journey as a person, each song is lyrically loaded.
“The EP was produced at Afrotonic Sound where Pauline is both a partner and resident artist.
“It differs from my previous work in that on this project I did not try to follow trends. I defined my own sound, hence the name Ndauya, meaning I am here and established,” she said.
