Online Reporter
Trust Khosa,
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Gibson Chisoni, a talented choreographer and composer, firmly believes that his resilience is finally paying off.
After honing his craft under the expert guidance of veteran lyricist Leonard Zhakata, Chisoni embarked on a solo career in 2019, marking six years of self-discovery and growth.
As the nimble-footed dancer prepares to launch his fourth album, titled “Denga Radaira” at the Liquid Lounge in Shamva — his hometown — he reflected on how consistency has been key to his success.
The album’s name, which loosely translates to “God has answered my prayers”, affirms his belief that he is in the right place at this pivotal moment in his career.
In an interview with the Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Chisoni expressed his excitement about finally joining the elite league of stars.
“I can’t believe it has been six wonderful years that I have been navigating this musical terrain as a solo act after my time with Zhakata’s band. After learning a lot from him, there are some traits I acquired that are hard to drop.
“However, I am glad that fans now appreciate me for who I am,” he stated. “My career would be incomplete without mentioning the efforts my former boss made to help me become the complete musician I am today.
“He took me on board from Shamva and provided me with shelter, looking after me like a son. He trained me as a dancer, choreographer, guitarist and now a singer.”
Reflecting on his fourth album, recorded by George Chembe’s Black G Studios and mixed by Gibson Makumbe, Chisoni believes he nailed it this time.
“A lot of work went into this album, and I took my time working on it. Some of the tracks that are already doing well during live shows include ‘Kandege’, ‘Michero’, ‘Mhirizhonga’ and ‘Kana Nemiwo’. I was blown away during a recent show I held in Shamva, where fans were singing along to most of my songs. We have made it a habit to play most of our new songs during live shows before their release to ensure that we hear their feedback,” he stressed.
As he prepares to launch the album in Shamva later this month, Chisoni emphasised that it is in the interest of his kith and kin.
“I have noted that it is high time I give back to the people in my community in a positive manner. As they say, charity begins at home and it needs to be cherished and adored where I come from.
“Of course, a prophet does not have honour in his homeland, but we are prepared to change the narrative and cherish where I come from.”
Born a natural dancer, Chisoni has vowed to ensure that he also grooms fellow creatives from Shamva.
He will also showcase new dancers at this launch to be held at the end of this month.
“To be honest with you, I just love dancers, and it is something instilled in me from birth.
“Originally, I come from Malawi, where dancing is a tradition, and I am not even ashamed to be one of them. At my launch, it will be a huge celebration for us as youngsters,” he shared.
Message-wise, he is preaching the gospel of responsible betting in the track “Kandenge,” which has been embraced by many of his fans. “Responsible betting is now the in-thing, and I am glad that the local press, led by H-Metro, has been championing this cause.
“It’s something we want to see happening because people are losing their hard-earned cash to betting houses. There are even some who now have an addiction to betting, but we are urging punters to do it responsibly to avoid such cases.”
Chisoni has also used his influence to denounce gender-based violence in the track “Mhirizhonga”, a new crisis that needs to be addressed.
“I am one of those advocating for people to love one another and to desist from violence. A better society is one where we learn to shun domestic violence at all times.
“By rejecting violence, we are not only doing a favour for ourselves but also building a better society that can be cherished for years,” he shared.
Now in his late 30s, Chisoni believes he still has plenty to offer the creative sector, and his upcoming fourth album, “Denga Radaira,” is part of his journey.
Besides “Denga Radaira”, Chisoni boasts three other successful albums: “Sora Rekapinga”, released in 2019; “Tungidza Moto” (2020); and “Kufushirwa” (2023).
