Online Reporter
Arts Reporter
Sungura musician Romeo Gasa is on a mission to elevate the genre to new heights and ensure its presence is felt beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.
Currently residing in the United Kingdom, Gasa is determined to promote and develop sungura culture internationally, believing that exposure is essential for the genre’s growth.
In an interview with The Herald Arts, Gasa shared insights into his journey and aspirations.
“I want to have more shows in the United Kingdom to promote and develop the sungura culture,” he declared. This passion stems from his observations that promoters are increasingly favouring genres like hip-hop, Zimdancehall, and gospel, often sidelining the rich sounds of sungura.
Gasa is aware of the challenges faced by traditional music genres in gaining traction in foreign markets.
He noted, “I have seen how promoters are shunning the genre, not because of its quality, but due to the dominance of other styles.”
This reality has fuelled his commitment to championing sungura and ensuring it receives the recognition it deserves.
One of the highlights of Gasa’s current experience in the UK has been the enthusiastic reception of his song “Karolina.”
The track has been gaining airtime on UK radio stations, leading to an influx of inquiries about its meaning and what is sungura.
“I was at a BBC Radio interview recently, and they played my song ‘Karolina.’ Since then, I’ve been receiving phone calls about the song, and I want to perform it live. My music is modern sungura which can appeal to any age,” he shared, his excitement palpable.
During his radio stint, Gasa noticed that while the audience was familiar with Bundu Boys, a prominent group in the genre, they were less aware of other artistes contributing to sungura’s rich tapestry.
“When I mentioned I was from Zimbabwe, they wanted to know more about Bundu Boys,” he explained.
“But I later told them about the sungura story and how there are more artistes than just Bundu Boys, and they appreciated my perspective.”
Promoting sungura music in foreign lands is not just about personal ambition; it’s about preserving and celebrating cultural heritage.
Gasa understands that each performance and interaction helps to create a narrative around sungura, fostering appreciation and interest.
“It is about good marketing and communication skills that can push the brand,” he emphasised, highlighting the importance of storytelling in connecting with audiences.
Gasa is actively involved in planning projects that cater to the UK market, including festivals and concerts featuring sungura artistes. These initiatives aim to showcase the genre’s vibrancy and engage a broader audience, creating a platform for cultural exchange.
However, balancing his commitments between Zimbabwe and the UK poses its own challenges.
“Zimbabwe will always be home. I am here in the UK because of my family,” he reflected. His band, Extra Valembe, remains in Zimbabwe, and he continues to have shows back home.
“The only challenge here in the UK is time; it’s hard to find time for performances because of work,” he admitted.
In a world where musical genres often compete for attention, Romeo Gasa’s dedication to promoting sungura on a global scale is commendable.
His efforts not only aim to elevate his music but also to preserve a vital part of Zimbabwean culture, ensuring that sungura resonates with audiences around the world.
