Sam Dondo makes grand entry

Tawanda Marwizi : Arts Correspondent

Sam Dondo, an upcoming contemporary musician, became the talk of the town after a massive album launch that was held at Alex Sports Club in Milton Park last weekend. The gig featured top entertainers like Alick Macheso, Oliver Mtukudzi, Jah Prayzah, Suluman Chimbetu, Peter Moyo and Lady Storm. Dondo got a grand introduction to the music industry and several musicians have already endorsed him. Now that his debut album that was recorded with one of the top producers Munya Vhiya and mastered with Keith Farquharson is out, pundits have questioned if he will manage to make waves on the showbiz.

Named “Kudyara Minamato” the nine-track album seems focuses on various social issues. Songs on the album are “Zviuya Zviri Mberi”, ” Kudyara Minamato”, “Nhamo Ndaramba” “Vauya Neni”, ” Dzungu”, ” Kamberevere”, ” Pekauende” “Varegerei” and ” Anonzwa”.

The first song “Zviuya Zviri Mberi” that features Jah Prayzah talks about how life is not easy and it encourages people to work hard. Dondo reminds people about the challenges they face in life saying they are meant to test human courage in song “Kudyara Minamato”. He urges people not to give up but pray unceasingly.

“Nhamo Ndaramba” is a song that encourages people to defy poverty by working extra hard. On song “Vauya Neni” that features Suluman Chimbetu the young musician pleads for the public to appreciate musicians as they are professionals who work hard to entertain people.

Self-praise is blasted on song “Dzungu” and the young musician pleads with people to always be humble.

Family squabbles can affect the life of children as said in song “Kambevere”.

Cheating people should not be tolerated according to our culture. So in song “Pekauende” the musician literary says cheating people should just pack and go.

“Varegererei” is a song that reminds people that God is almighty and He sets all standards for people in life.

“We don’t want to wait for God to resolve matters in His good time because his idea of ‘good time’ is seldom in sync with ours. Nevertheless God listens to our prayers all the time” is the message on the last song “Anonzwa”.

It is yet to be seen if the album that has different social messages will make an impact on the local scene.