malvernmugadzikwa
Kimberly Mhembere
ADOLPHE SAX’s invention — the saxophone — has without doubt played a key role in the development of music across the globe.
If the Belgian inventor and musician was still alive, he would probably be pleasantly surprised at how his creation has become universally popular.
The saxophone was invented in the early 1840s and has since then been a staple in different music genres, especially jazz.
The shiny, beautiful and undeniably cool instrument is behind the success of many internationally acclaimed musicians.
In Zimbabwe, Denilson Panashe Musekiwa has mastered the instrument and is doing wonders.
“Music was just in my bones. I used to play the piano and guitar from 2009. I was brought up in the United Methodist Church and that is where I learnt how to play the piano. I also grew up in Chitungwiza and attended Zengeza 1 High School. I was part of the school band that broadened my knowledge of music,” said Musekiwa.
His romance with the saxophone blossomed around 2018.
“I dreamt of myself playing the saxophone a couple of times, but I had no access to it. A friend of mine then lent me the instrument and I started practising, with YouTube as my tutor,” he recalled.
The saxophone is largely associated with jazz music, but Musekiwa uses it with many other genres, exploring its effect. The gifted artiste has such a strong passion for music that he had to abandon his accounting career. He studied accounting at the University of Zimbabwe.
For one to break through in the cutthroat music industry, he said, there is need to be consistent and have proper guidance.
“Role models, I have quite a few. I have always been inspired by Kenny G and Luis Graziatto, and I am always learning more so that one day, I can become more like them,” he said.
Musekiwa has had rollercoaster experiences over the years.
“It is quite inflexible working with people from different backgrounds because you are forced to adjust and try to fit in their shoes.
“However, in my business as a saxophonist, I can rely on myself because I do solo performances most of the time.”
But he admits promoting solo saxophone acts on the local market has not been a stroll in the park.
“A saxophone was somehow ‘new’ to the Zimbabwean market. It took time for people to understand that you can listen to the instrument without someone singing. It took good presentation of the work and support from influential people for the instrument and concept to be accepted,” he said.
To enhance his brand visibility, the artiste started by doing cover versions of popular local songs using the saxophone.3.
Music fans fell in love with the concept.
“It gave me recognition in the musical space. So far, I have featured with artistes like Takura, Nyasha David, Trevor Dongo and Fusion 5 Mangwiro, and even opened the 2022 NAMA show.”
Musekiwa — who has literally become TikTok, Instagram and Facebook’s go-to saxophonist — has more than 300 000 followers on social media.
“As I chronicle the growth of my brand, social media has been my greatest ally. Posting surprise deliveries caught the attention of people and everyone ended up liking the new trend,” he said.
He quickly added that he protects people’s privacy.
“I only post those who agree or want to be posted. However, I notice this has caused pressure in relationships because many people have found it attractive to get a saxophone or car delivery surprise.
“People are slowly normalising buying cars for their loved ones as a way of appreciating and I feel that is positive pressure,” reckons Musekiwa.
He intends to change lives and represent the country on a global platform.
“Saxophone music heals, restores love and creates peace. One day, I will bring a BET Award home,” said the saxophonist.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter