adminLuggards.
Dressed with a modern urban style one would think that they perform western music styles such as R&B, Hip-hop until they begin to do their thing, which is Afro Jazz. The message in the songs they sing is unlike their peers who are stuck on the love theme.
They cover a varied number of social and moral issues. They believe that Afro Jazz has the capacity to convey their heartfelt message and so has become their music style of preference.
The band consists of Tendai Madzviti (lead vocalist), Rose Joe (Bv), Netsai Mavhunga (percussionist, Bv), Christopher Tamburai (mbira), Cladius Nyamasoka (drummer), Phineas Chakanyuka (bassist) and Blessing Mutasa (keyboardist).
The group is new on the music scene and seems destined for greater heights given their performance output and the fact that they are all currently enrolled at the Zimbabwe College of Music.
Besides the love for music they feel that studying music is of paramount importance to where they want to go.
Targeting to hit the international stage for them means being able to communicate effectively using the relevant music language and skills. The group was formed this year during music classes.
I happened to watch them perform a few weeks back at The Mannenberg, and you could feel the passion and taste the creativity. Judging from the crowd’s response I would give them an eight out of ten as almost the whole house was on the dance floor getting down.
I’ve been to many shows where people just sit and continue to discuss other issues, not when The Luggards took to the stage.
“When I came to the music college I had no idea of African music because I grew up exposed to western instruments,” said Rose Joe.
“Every one of us did not appreciate the first days of studying music as the teachers seemed to focus on African music styles and instruments. We did not realise that our true identity lies with recognising, appreciating and developing our talent with a bias towards local concepts of music making.”
The lead singer had this to say; “Coming to the music college has opened my eyes to a number of instruments that I would never have ventured on using like the Nyunga nyunga, Nhare and marimba.
“When you play the mbira your imagination is stretched and your spirits are charged so much that writing songs becomes easier and more meaningful.”
Instead of waiting to finish studies then go on the road, The Luggards they look for opportunities to showcase their talents. Sarah Mangundla does all the negotiating and bookings for the group.
Currently a lot of youngsters can be seen attending music classes in a hope to enrich their talent and become forces to reckon within the industry. Pastor Charamba is currently a degree student at the college even though he is a household name when it comes to Gospel music in Zimbabwe.
In a view to expand musical creativity Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave is also learning how to play mbira. The more you learn the greater your horizon, stop imitating what you hear on radio but begin to learn the art of making music.
Till then God bless.
l Richard Kohola is a music critic and development expert and can be contacted on the following number 0772 382 871 or email [email protected]
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