The rise of Cosmos Roinuj – From church drummer to cinematic maestro

TUCKED away in a studio at Alliançe Française de Bulawayo, Cosmos Roinuj (Cosmos Themba Nkomo Junior) isn’t just producing music — he’s a sonic alchemist, weaving a melody of sound that transcends genres and cultures. The rising music producer, sound designer, and film score composer has embarked on a musical crusade, captivating audiences far and wide.

Yesterday, alongside animator Wayne Ndebele (Left Hand Animation), Roinuj premièred a web toon animated series titled “Lost in Translation” at the Alliançe Française de Bulawayo. The première cleverly coincided with the World Music Day concert, featuring Canadian artiste and guitarist Mélissa Laveaux alongside local Bulawayo acts Nkwali, Skyblue, and the Ezimnyama Dance Ensemble.

But Roinuj’s musical journey began in a place most sacred — the church.

“I found my passion for music back at church around 2014 where I used to play drums. I started to learn how to play the guitar which introduced me to music theory and this taught me how chords can mix to form a song,” he reminisced.

It was this initial foray into the mechanics of music that sparked a deeper fascination within Roinuj.

“Shortly afterwards, I was introduced to Fruity Loops and I started to make beats. I’ve never been one that uses speech to express himself, and music became that tool for me to express myself without having to utter a single word.”

Roinuj’s thirst for knowledge led him to the Midlands State University (MSU), where he obtained a BSc (Hons) in Music Business Musicology and Technology. But it was his inherent passion for the cinematic and the experimental that truly set him apart.

“I’ve always been fascinated by Orchestra and African music so I started to add those elements in my productions.”

It was this unique sonic palette that caught the attention of renowned musician Fish F Ndaramu, who took Roinuj under his wing as an exclusive producer and sound designer.

“The stars started to align, with Fish’s versatile song writing and delivery and my cinematic touch on the instrumental, we started to attract film projects that were looking for our sound,” said Roinuj.

Roinuj’s creative process is a testament to his experimental nature. This ability to craft captivating narratives through sound has led Roinuj to collaborate with a diverse array of artistes, from the lyrical prowess of Fish F Ndaramu to the powerhouse presence of South African rapper, Big Zulu.

Roinuj’s name, Cosmos Themba Nkomo Junior, carries a profound significance.

“Cosmos is a really cool name and it means the universe and everything else in it. The name Roinuj is a name I coined which means ‘second’ — second born, second chance, reincarnated, relived and revived. Basically, it’s Junior spelt backwards,” he said.

The cosmic connection has manifested in Roinuj’s work, most notably in the award-winning fashion film I Wear My Culture.

“What’s exciting the most about these projects is that you need to do research first to have context. For instance, in I Wear My Culture, initially, I had zero knowledge about most of the musical cultures in the film, so I had to listen to their music and re-interpret them in a Roinuj style,” he said.

“Lost in Translation” explores the intersection of cultures and experiences, a theme that resonates deeply with Roinuj.

“I met Left Hand Animation at an animation workshop last year at the Alliançe Française de Bulawayo and he showed me his work and I thought he was brilliant. We bumped into each other a year later and he told me about the web toon series he’s working on and I literally bull-dosed my way into the project because that’s the breakthrough I had been looking for.”

As Roinuj continues to captivate audiences with his cinematic soundscapes and innovative approach, the future holds endless possibilities.

“There’s a short course project I’m currently working on with some youths and helping them to develop their beat-making skills. I’m also compiling some tracks I’ve done with some of Bulawayo’s finest musicians and should be releasing them soon,” he said.

For aspiring music producers, sound designers, and film score composers, Roinuj’s advice is simple yet profound.

“The only way people can know what you’re all about is if you’ve got something to show. If you’re still new, start creating, approach the people you want to work with and offer a service, even for free. That will put your foot in the door. Always believe in yourself and don’t stop learning.”

As the rhythmic heartbeat of Bulawayo’s thriving arts scene, Cosmos Roinuj is a sonic alchemist, a master storyteller, and a true visionary. His journey, like the cosmos itself, is an ever-evolving symphony of sound, colour and boundless potential. —Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu