Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THIS year marks a significant milestone for Zimbabwean guitarist Trust Samende, as he celebrates 20 years in the music industry. Hailing from the resort town of Victoria Falls in Chinotimba, his journey from a budding keyboardist to an internationally recognised guitarist is nothing short of inspirational.
As a prominent member of the renowned band Mokoomba, Samende has showcased his talent on stages across the globe, captivating audiences with his distinctive sound and masterful guitar work.
He has performed in nearly every country imaginable— from well-known destinations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Spain and Sweden, to less expected ones like Romania, Slovenia, Luxembourg, South Korea and Norway, among many others.
Samende’s musical journey began at an impressively young age. He was just nine years old when he first learnt to play the keyboard and by 14, he was already performing professionally. However, it was at the age of 17 that a pivotal moment changed the course of his life. A live performance by legendary jazz maestro Jimmy Dludlu on October 26, 2004 ignited a passion that would shape his future.
That fateful evening marked the moment he chose to leave the keyboard behind and immerse himself fully in the world of guitars. Inspired and mentored by Filbert Marowa, Samende embraced his new path with unwavering dedication.
“My first major inspiration was the late Green Tonto. Although he never formally taught me, I had the privilege of playing alongside him in a band as a keyboardist, and his artistry made me fall deeply in love with the instrument.
That performance was the turning point. It was on that very day that I made the final decision to put aside the keyboard and fully commit to the guitar,” he said.
However, his journey was far from smooth. He encountered challenges in gaining his parents’ acceptance of his musical aspirations.
“It wasn’t easy for my parents to accept my calling in music,” said Samende.
He credits Papa Victor, a key figure who recognised his talent during church performances, for advocating on his behalf and helping his family see his potential. This support enabled Samende to pursue his passion wholeheartedly.
Samende’s rich musical background played a vital role in shaping his artistry. Raised in a household filled with diverse musical influences, he developed an appreciation for a wide range of genres.
“The foundation for most of what I’ve learnt, played, and now perform, comes from listening to good music from an early age. At just seven, I owned a Freedom Sengwayo vinyl and of course Afro-Beat legends like Salif Keita and
Youssou N’Dour were instrumental in expanding my musical horizons,” he said.
He has collaborated on numerous projects with various musicians. One particularly close to his heart is the Iyana concept he developed with Afro-Jazz songbird Qeqe Mntambo.
“Iyana is one project that is deep in my heart and that I love dearly. It was an experiment. Together with Qeqe, we simply decided to get together, camp and see what would happen. To our surprise, we found ourselves creating magic. Songs on that project are natural, and I know they will get their time to tour the world,” said Samende.
Samende’s journey with Mokoomba has been transformative. The band not only broadened his understanding of African music but also gave him the opportunity to tour the world, further refining his craft.
“My major highlight is being on the road with Mokoomba, sharing and educating people about our culture and our country. I genuinely believe I’ve done my part in spreading the word about Zimbabwe’s culture and traditions.
“I’ve been to places where they had never even heard of a country called Zimbabwe. Without fear of contradiction, Mokoomba has done more than a lot of the most hyped athletes in introducing Zimbabwe globally,” he said.
With the financial resources gained from touring, Samende revealed that he has been diligently working towards his dream of building his own recording studio.
“The initiative is progressing well. The project could be much bigger with financial help, but I guess we keep pushing,” he said.
