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Godwin Muzari : Arts Editor
He might be unknown in the music industry but rising musician Sam Dondo has proved that he can make an impact on the local scene. Recently, when he shared the stage with Oliver Mtukudzi at Club Las Vegas in Southerton, he won the hearts of many fans that acknowledged his spectacular act with a thunderous applause when he went off the stage.He has also shared the stage with Jah Prayzah and Suluman Chimbetu and has not disappointed. Usually, when an unknown performer does a curtain-raising act for an established star, there is a risk of being booed off the stage yet Dondo has been up to the task of keeping audiences entertained.
His music is traditional and the beat can be placed between Mtukudzi and Jah Prayzah styles, but the rising musician has his own unique touch.
And he will be officially introduced to many music fans with a top-drawer album launch featuring Mtukudzi, Alick Macheso, Jah Prayzah and Suluman at Alex Sports Club on April 15.
The 30-year old musician says he is overwhelmed with the support he has been getting from top musicians and the slots that he has so far been offered at big shows.
He is happy to launch his debut album “Zviuya” in style and songs on the album have proved popular at live shows. The album also features Sulu and Jah Prayzah
But Dondo never thought he would take music professionally and only got to be serious with the art in December last year when he had his debut performance in Chivhu and got encouragement from his brother.
“I have always liked music but I did not take it seriously until my brother told me that I would perform with a band at a family function in Chivhu last December. I came from my workplace in Botswana and only practiced with the band for a few days and went on stage. I was surprised with the response I got because I did not have confidence then,” said Dondo.
“Sulu and Jah Prayzah were also at the function and both told me that I have potential. The musicians and many other people that were present encouraged me to take music seriously and that is when my brother told me to compose more songs and get ready to record an album.
“Honestly, when I left Botswana I did not know I would end up in studio here. I wanted to go back just after New Year but people who saw my act actually gave me pressure to record. I am happy that the album is done and we will be launching it on April 15. I am also happy with the response I am getting at live shows.”
True to his word, the response that Dondo got at Tuku show in Southerton and at a recent gig in Highfield with Sulu was encouraging.
His three female backing vocalists that include the popular and talented Evidence “Generator” Chifinya – known for her days with Jah Prayzah – are energetic and they excited fans with their dances.
Dondo is backed by experienced instrumentalists that have crafted a unique beat set to make the musician a force to reckon with.
In studio, he was backed by the likes of Munya Viya (from Tuku’s Black Spirits), Trust Samede (from Mokoomba), Lengthens Musoni, Freedom Manatsa and Tatenda Viya.
His upcoming 10-track album has songs like “Kanganwa”, “Nhamo Ndaramba”, “Peka Uende”, “Dyara Munamato” and “Makwidza”.
Dondo is a rare musician because he never worked with another artiste before launching his career. He only did music on his own as a hobby and now he is set to test the waters of professional music.
Online Reporter