adminThis is a demonstration that urban grooves music is getting better by the day. If new sound concepts are anything to go by then these guys are beginning to venture into African elements that will go a long way in giving us an identity and a uniqueness in our music.
A song called “Tezvara Varamba” by ExQ and Baba Shupi goes like: “Tezvara varamba tezvara varamba aiwa mukwasha anoimba hatimude mukwasha anoridza magitari hatimude.”
The sounds and instruments of Africa are a wealth for local artistes to explore and expand their musical concepts. Popular music changes all the time, as each new generation of musicians reacts to a changing world. The most successful musicians take elements from different types of music and combine them to form something new and original.
A new style of music became fashionable in the 19th century Europe, that was inspired by nature and other arts, such as poetry and painting. Beethoven is thought to be the first romantic composer even though he wrote most of his music during the classical era.
The origins of jazz lie mainly with the African American music, such as blues and gospel. African American musicians began combining this music with some European styles around at the time, including French military band music, Spanish folk and European ballroom dance. Jazz was a result of this extraordinary mixture.
A look at the objectives of this initiative shows that it’s time for us to move out of our comfort zones and use our local musical elements. The main objective is to explore and integrate Zimbabwean music cultural elements with modern styles and develop new and unique local music brands.
This project also hopes to become a platform to rate and recognise Zimbabwean music producers as currently anyone with a computer and music software has become a producer in their own right.
Part of the concept reads as follows: “In the far distant villages and rural areas a sound of a drum can be heard. It is a rhythm of celebration, the chants and the melodies reflect the warmth the spirit and soul of this people.”
And some of the finest Zimbabwean producers have been sent on an assignment to research on the different cultures in Zimbabwe and learn the music of the people.
While doing so borrow unique elements that they will use to create new sound concepts in their production. If this concept is a success then Zimbabwean music will never be the same.
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].
Online Reporter