adminProblem Masau Arts Correspondent
When Zimbabwe was facing economic hardships in 2008, Samson Mapfirakupa put his music passion on hold and started selling car oil in Msasa, Harare. He was named “Oilman Maoiri” by motorists and the name stuck with him up until this day. The sungura musician is now back with a third album titled “Kurauone”.
“People call me Oilman Maoiri because of my other trade, but I am in the music industry to stay. I want to take my music to another level. I took a musical sabbatical in 2008 and I don’t see myself repeating that since music runs in my veins,” he said.
The musician said he started singing in 1989 when he was in Grade Two.
“I used to sing in school choirs and churches when I was very young. Even when herding cattle in Chiweshe, people would identify me by my singing,” he said.
Maoiri said he draws inspiration from the late greats Biggie Tembo, Simon Chimbetu, Tongai Moyo and Leonard Dembo.
Like his role models, Dembo and Moyo, he tackles social issues as depicted by his third album “Kurauone”.
The musician, who also operates a hardware store in the capital, said he will soon embark on live shows.
“I have guys from Bindura that I have assembled so that I can start having shows. They will soon relocate here (Harare) in order for us to pursue music full-time,” he said.
Born in 1981, Oilman did his primary school in Chiweshe and went to Allan Wilson in Harare for his secondary education.
His biggest wish is to tour the region to showcase his product.
Online Reporter