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Charleen Ndlovu, Sunday life reporter
Afro pop maestro Que Montana says his distinctive genre and yet timeless music has been achieved through many years of nurturing and savouring, with a little sweat and tears along the way.
Above all for Que, learning to embrace his Africanism and still be able to incorporate it into his music has been the highlight of his career. As a young local musician Que is one of the very few who have over the years successfully managed to stay in the lime light while continuing to keep his style uncontaminated and fresh. While you have probably heard of him, he has stayed clear of “scandals”.
“Well, I wouldn’t say that I am perfect but I have tried as much as possible to stay focused. I mean, I lead a simple and humble life, one which includes staying away from alcohol and smoking. Fame comes and goes but I believe it is important to live a life that impacts others positively,” said Que in a recent interview with Sunday Life.
Montana’s infant days in the industry may take us back to some of his memorable performances as a bass player for some music moguls.
“Back then I was still trying to figure my way as a vocal artiste, so I was still doing a lot of instruments playing and less singing,” he said.
The culture driven musician says he has been privileged enough to have worked with some of Zimbabwe’s legendary musicians like the late Andy Brown, Tanga WekwaSando, Afrika Revenge, Dudu Manhenga and Ammara Brown.
The multi-instrument player and vocalist revealed that he has also collaborated with international artistes who include Freshly Ground, another South –African hit maker producer Techno beats, Rozalia Miler from UK and a lot of other artistes from Brazil.
“While other Zimbabwean artistes have seemingly preferred to venture into hip-hop, kwaito and sungura I have stayed intrigued by Afro Pop because it is very much inclined to the traditional Zimbabwean music which I obviously fuse with other sounds from across Africa. My music cuts across as familiar to a lot of Zimbabweans because its music we all grew up listening to, the difference is that I have somehow managed to revolutionise it so it appeal to young people as well,” said Que.
Que, who recently dropped his new album Sara Ugarike which is already making waves on social media says that the album features some of his best songs that he has written over the years and some which he wrote while in South Africa.
“My vibrant brand Untamed and I worked relentlessly on this album. I’m quite sure people will definitely enjoy listening to it, we have had positive feedback so far. I certainly can’t pick out my favourite song from the album because it’s like asking a father or mother to pick his or her favourite child”, said Que.
derick.khumalo