Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
HE might not turn heads on the streets, but his work speaks louder than words.
He pays meticulous attention to detail, while perfection remains his hallmark.
As modest and unassuming as ever, Antony Gasani of Gart Studios has been in the music industry for decades, yet he remains simple, grounded and largely content to work behind the scenes.
Over the years, Gasani has worked with an impressive array of musicians, among them gospel legends Baba Mechanic Manyeruke, Charles Charamba and The Fishers of Men, Fungisai Zvakavapano, the late Diva Mafunga and the then-mighty Mahendere Brothers.
Now, he is the man credited with helping revive the career of veteran sungura musician Sugar Sugar.
Gasani recorded and refined Sugar Sugar’s latest hit song, “Mudododo”, which has caught the attention of music lovers across the country.
The song has since gained a lot of traction on social media, with content creators endorsing it through the popular ‘Mudododo Challenge’.
However, while many people are familiar with the song, few know the man behind its production and the meticulous work that went into transforming it into a national hit.
For Gasani, the success of “Mudododo” is yet another reminder that the work of music producers can be just as important as that of the artists who occupy the spotlight.
Unlike performers who command attention on stage, producers often remain in the background, shaping sound, refining vocals and helping artists bring their creative visions to life. Gasani has quietly played this role for several musicians throughout his career.
“I was born 50 years ago in a family of five – three girls and two boys,” he told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
“My father, Robert Gasani, was a guitarist, while my mother, Cecilia Gasani, supported my vision.
“I have worked with several bands but I only started producing music in 2005.
“It has been 21 years of music production, but sometimes we are not recognised despite all the efforts we put in.”
Gasani, who pursued theological studies before later studying music, said his passion for music production had kept him going over the years.
“I like what I do for a living and it’s not easy being the person behind the scenes, refining artists’ careers.
“I have worked with several musicians, one of them being Taruvinga Manjokota (Sugar Sugar).
“He is one of the veteran musicians I have enjoyed working with, and that guy is super talented,” said Gasani.
His work with Sugar Sugar appears to have opened a new chapter for the veteran musician, whose song “Mudododo” has introduced his music to a younger generation through social media.
For Gasani, however, the song’s success is less about personal recognition and more about seeing an artist’s talent receive the attention it deserves.
“I did my primary and secondary education in Chitungwiza and later studied theology and music. My musical calling started when I was in Grade Seven.
“I was largely inspired by my father. I used to play the guitar in the AFM Praise and Worship team at St Mary’s in Chitungwiza.
“At one point, I worked with Andy Brown, Tanga Wekwa Sando and many others. I later discovered that I was a very good music producer.
“I eventually settled for this calling, which has made me the person I am today. I enjoyed everything that I did.
“I once worked at Grammar Records where I was mentored by Wallace Mparutsa.”
He added:
“One of the major highlights of my career was touring Mozambique with the Fishers of Men under Pastor Charles Charamba, where I served as an instrumentalist.
“I am yet to be recognised for my work but I am content with what I have achieved and the number of artists who have come through my hands.
“I have also worked with the likes of Minister Michael Mahendere on ‘Getting Personal with God 1’, as well as Larry Gunda, among others.
“At Gart Studios, I deal with serious musicians only,” he added.
With Gart Studios continuing to nurture musicians from different generations, Gasani remains focused on what he knows best – producing quality music and allowing the artists to take centre stage.
