Piroro a rare type of musician

Those who have worked with this man can attest to his great artistry. I have had the privilege of working with a number of session musicians over the years and I must say Piroro is a rare type of musician.
Many gifted musicians become pompous and proud because of their talent, not with Piroro. He submits himself to work for the betterment of whoever he works with.
Below are excerpts of my one-on-one interview with Piroro.

RK: What makes you tick?
EP: In music you learn everyday. For me to live is music. I spend more time researching and practising music from in and around the world in order to stay relevant and on demand.
Since childhood I was involved in many musical activities both at school and at home. I started playing a banjo at primary school and then my brothers box guitar at secondary school.
I can play the African drums (ngoma) and the piano though my specialty is the bass guitar.
In the race to make it my competition is none other than me, I fight to be better than what I was yesterday.
Before being recognised as a musician I started out as a Christian. The church has been my training ground. It has groomed me to face and work in the market place. While God is the giver of all talents things don’t come on a silver platter you have to work hard.
I am a session musician and have been in the business for the past 15 years. This is my career. I believe my approach to music is what has sustained and continued to open more opportunities for me.
As a session musician one needs to listen to all genres of music, there is no boring music in my vocabulary. You can take me to America, Mexico or Congo I will be able to play with any artiste.
One of the greatest inspirations in my life is my wife Linda who constantly whispers sweet melodies that keep my creative spark and many thanks to her.

RK: What do you thing of session artists?
EP: Some session artistes are biased to a certain genre of music such as sungura, rhumba, etc. This tends to limit their creativity and opportunities to work with as many artistes as possible.
If you decide to be a session artiste then learn anything that sounds like music.

RK: What are the names of artistes you have worked with?
EP: Oliver Mtukudzi, Sam Mtukudzi, Victor Kunonga, Andy Brown, Tanga wekwaSando, Zexie Manatsa, Pastor G., Shingisai Suluma (Maitiro Enyu), Betty Makaya, Sister Flame, Afrow, Cool Crooners, Prince Mafukidze, Joyce Simeti, Plaxedes Wenyika, Mono Mkundu, Pax Matanga Musa. The list is endless.
Currently working with Dudu Manhenga of Color Blu and will soon tour Italy.

RK: What’s your word of advice to fellow artistes?
EP: Get rid of pride and women. Pride will tell you I have achieved while that’s not the case and, of course, women will cut short your lifespan.
Develop a professional mindset. People treat you by what they see and hear.
Lastly, as musicians we need to create a lasting legacy of musical excellence that will inspire the next generation.
If you remove the bass guitar from a band it’s like a human being living without a backbone.
Pump up the bass yoh!