Online Reporter
Amos Mpofu, [email protected]
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape creative industries worldwide, including music production, debates are growing around its influence on authenticity, creativity and the future of artistry.
AI-powered tools have made music creation more accessible, even to individuals without formal training. However, concerns persist about whether technology can truly replicate human emotion, originality and cultural depth in music.
Despite these advances, Bulawayo-based music producer, songwriter and acclaimed guitarist Elphas Mashamba, popularly known as Shamblo, believes Sungura music remains largely beyond the reach of artificial intelligence. He argues that the genre’s intricate instrumentation and rhythmic complexity make it difficult for AI systems to reproduce authentically.
“The topic of AI in the arts is interesting and has understandably raised concerns among many music producers and musicians. As a music producer, I can confidently say that AI has managed to navigate various music genres, but it has not yet fully penetrated the Sungura genre.”
“The production of Sungura music requires a hands-on approach. The drum patterns, intricate rhythm structures and unique, complementary guitar arrangements make it difficult for AI to produce authentic Sungura music. Even in the future, I foresee Sungura remaining one of the few genres that will retain its organic nature because those guitar solos are difficult for AI to replicate in a way that meets a producer’s expectations,” said Shamblo.
He explained that the speed, precision and coordination required in Sungura drumming and guitar work remain beyond the capabilities of current AI systems. He added that while AI-generated music is advancing in other genres, it still struggles with the emotional and cultural depth embedded in African musical expression.
“AI is rapidly overtaking traditional digital and analogue production methods within the music industry. In genres such as gospel music, AI has already made significant progress. The harmonies and choral arrangements produced by AI can be so sophisticated that very few people in Zimbabwe, for example, would be able to replicate them exactly.
“The dynamics of AI-generated singing are difficult to reproduce because our local languages naturally influence and shape the way we sing. AI tends to produce an over-perfect version of those dynamics,” he said.
While acknowledging the benefits of technological advancement, Shamblo warned that AI could unintentionally undermine the value of years of training and professional experience in music production.
“Many people spent years studying and mastering music production, only to find that some of the same tasks can now be completed through a few simple commands. It can also limit creativity because a song created primarily through AI may be difficult to perform live with the same emotion and authenticity that originally attracted listeners,” he said.
Despite the rapid rise of AI in global music production, Shamblo remains confident that Sungura musicians will retain their unique identity and artistic edge.
“Since AI does not offer a wide variety of voices, I’m not worried. We’ll continue to sing using our original voices, which help define our identities and distinguish us from other artists.
“AI cannot fully replicate a singer’s emotions, style, vocal character or personal expression, especially in Sungura music. It still lacks diversity, and most people can easily recognise AI-generated music because the voices tend to sound similar. I do not believe it will successfully navigate my field,” he said.
