THE EX-UZ STUDENT WHO DREAMS OF BECOMING A MUSIC STAR

Maria Chiguvari

Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub

FUNGAI Mbizi was so desperate to become a musician he lied to his father that tuition fees had been increased at the University of Zimbabwe so that he could buy a guitar.

He then taught himself how to play the instrument.

He said he grew up being exposed to the sounds of the ‘80s and ‘90s and the likes of Thomas Mapfumo and James Chimombe helped him develop an interest in music.

After starting his accounting degree at the University of Zimbabwe in 2011, Fungai began writing and recording music using Jamaican reggae sounds.

He began composing his own songs, performing them at “Pama Greens” at the University of Zimbabwe, and eventually recording his first singles, “My Date” and “Love of a Ndebele Lady,” with producer Tapiwa Njonjonjo.

“In 2011, after starting my Accountancy degree at UZ and, after getting internet access for the first time, I began writing and recording over Jamaican reggae instrumentals using headphones with a mic jack.

“Friends would give me feedback on my songs,” he said.

Fungai’s break came when Richmond Siyakurima, a radio DJ, played his song “Love Of A Ndebele Lady” on Radio Zimbabwe.

Encouraged by Siyakurima, Fungai went on to release two albums, “Ngoma Dzemafaro” and “Nguva Dzekufara,” and recently released two new singles, “Svitsatsvene” and “Save,” with producer Mono Mukundu.

“Still, traditional Zimbabwean music kept calling me back. In 2013 I wanted to compose in that style, so I lied to my dad that tuition was $40 more and bought a red acoustic guitar.

“I taught myself through YouTube and in a few months I was playing fairly well.

“By 2014–2015, I would perform my compositions with the guitar at “Pama Greens” at UZ and got positive feedback.”

He said his unique sound, and dedication to his craft, convinces him that he will be a big name on the local musical scene.