adminTawanda Marwizi Arts Correspondent
Legends Sports Bar in Marondera is empty as music lovers mill outside to see their favourite artistes, Kinna and Tocky Vibes, performing. Different music blurs from parked cars as fans patiently wait outside the venue for the dancehall musicians to go on stage.
Upcoming jazz musician Norman Masamba (pictured right) takes the stage as he was billed to perform alongside the two dancehall musicians. The young musician plays with his four-man band in the largely empty venue
Some fans seemingly charmed by his music decide to go in to check the strange man on stage. Masamba serenades a handful of fans that enter the venue and, slowly, more fans trickle in attracted by his music.
But Masamba believes he still has a long way to go to make a name for himself. He say there is still a lot to do in his career.
“Most artistes went through that phase but as time goes on people start to appreciate you,” he said.
He said he was happy that some music lovers got into the venue and appreciated his music.
“You have seen what has happened here. People might not know me and my music but they have listened while they were outside and they came in,” he said. The young musician said he was working hard to make sure his brand grows.
“I believe in hard work to achieve my goals musically and we are putting maximum effort to grow our brand,” he said.
Masamba, who also doubles as Victor Kunonga’s lead guitarist, has one album to his name titled “Zvebasa”.
“It is doing well on the local market and we are very happy that people are responding to the music,” he said.
The young musician thanked Kunonga for assisting him.
“He has been there for me and he assists me a lot. If we have more people like him the industry will grow,” added Ma- samba.
He has been performing together with Kunonga as a solo act and their shows have been attracting better crowds. Born in December 1987, Masamba did his primary and secondary education in Kwekwe.
He joined Bob Nyabinde in 2006 as a drummer before coming to Harare, where he played as a session artiste. Masamba played for top musicians like the late Chiwoniso Maraire, Dudu Manhenga, Alexio Kawara and Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave, among others.
Online Reporter