Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
HARARE-BASED academic, researcher and social worker, Tafadzwa Gora, firmly believes he has a special calling to promote Ubuntu and unity through music.
The multi-talented Gora is also a painter and writer.
He turns 45 this year.
As the nation braces for the 46th Uhuru celebrations on April 18, Gora has unveiled an EP rich with a powerful message.
The downtrodden.
“True to form, the new EP delivers the deep socio-cultural, socio-religious, and socio-political commentary that has become the hallmark of Gora Zowa Music.
“With this release, I remain firmly rooted in the style that defines my work,” he said.
Unpacking his new production, Gora was upbeat, confident that he nailed it.
“The EP features four tracks: ‘Kangu,’ ‘Rusero,’ ‘Svinurai,’ and ‘Waitei.’ It blends the signature Afrocoustic sound of Gora Zowa Music (‘Kangu’ and ‘Svinurai’) with the Sungura genre (‘Rusero’ and ‘Waitei’).
“Trying out something like Sungura was inevitable; it is the music I grew up with, listening to legends such as Jonah Moyo, Khiama Boys, Mitchel Jambo, John Chibadura, Leonard Zhakata, and Simon Chimbetu, with Alick Macheso standing out as one of my greatest local inspirations. However, I am not switching from the Gora Zowa sound to Sungura.”
Despite his busy schedule, Gora revealed he made time for recording, even if it meant working during odd hours.
“Pinning down the timeline is never straightforward, as the songs were recorded at different moments—some as far back as five years ago, while others are much more recent.
“Often, I compose directly in the studio and record on the spot. For this EP, however, only ‘Kangu’ dates back three years, while the other three tracks are fresh compositions completed within the past four months.
“I have songs that I recorded ten years ago that I plan to release.”
When asked what makes this EP unique compared to his previous projects, Gora was candid.
“What sets this EP apart is the sound, born out of my ongoing journey of musical self-discovery.
“The track ‘Kangu’ was the first where I played acoustic guitar in the studio. My producer encouraged me to carry that acoustic element across all the songs.
“I embraced the challenge, and that decision is what gives this project its distinctive character.”
Gora, who has recorded one album, “Bambiro”, and two EPs—“Love and Plagues” and “Bvumaudzi”—said he has managed his schedule perfectly.
“I am deeply passionate about both my professional work and my art. When you truly care about something, the effort never feels like a burden.
“My studio hours often run from midnight until 4am, after completing my day’s work—a routine that not only fuels creativity but also helps me de-stress.
“I remain grateful to my superiors for allowing me the space to pursue music, and to my producer, Charles Ayibeki, for his invaluable coaching and mentorship.
“Across this EP, listeners will hear the unmistakable Gora Zowa acoustic signature, alongside a marked growth in my vocal delivery.”
Academically, he attained a Master of Science in Human Rights, Peace, and Development from Africa University; a BSc Honours in Sociology from the University of Zimbabwe; a Diploma in Research-Based Project Design and Management from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; and a BSc Special Honours in Monitoring & Evaluation from Lupane State University.
With all these achievements and a decent job, he still cannot stop making music, which he uses in his advocacy work.
Mathew Masinge