Visually impaired artist releases soul track

Paul Pindani in CHINHOYI

VISUALLY impaired Upper Sixth student artist, Gift Mankonkwe, has released a touching song titled Kufirwa Haisi Mhosva.

The 28-year-old is into Afro fusion and dancehall.

Mankonkwe, who teamed up with his colleagues from Kapota School of the Blind and Jairos Jiri Secondary School in Kadoma, said he was determined to succeed.

Mankonkwe told H-Metro he started recording music in 2017, through a group called JJ Vibez, which was made up of other people with visual impairments.

Mankonkwe said the group had collaborations with Mbeu, Ti Gonzi, Poptain and American rapper, G-Shyt.

“My breakthrough came in 2019 when the group made waves with their hit song Kukavira Mberi, which was recorded at Chillspot.

“We won an award at the Zimdancehall Awards, as the best Zimdancehall Group.

“The group also won an American award in 2020, called the Danny’s Music award, as the best group,” he said.

Mankonkwe said although the group was still there, logistical problems have prevented them from making more songs .

“As a solo artist , I have this year released some songs, including Kufirwa Haisi Mhosva.

“I was inspired to write the story about the lives of orphans.

“It’s something we see daily and some of it we also experience it daily,” said Mankonkwe.

“I released this song to evoke the feelings of people who went through a lot as orphans and also warning those who abuse orphans,” he said.

Mankonkwe said he has other songs, which are yet to be released, such as Pajorodhani Muchatuma Ani, Uchandifunga Ndaenda, Mwari Nzira Dzangu Chenesai, Tichafa, just to mention a few.

He said his greatest challenge was the lack of finance and publicity.

“It’s hard to get the work out there and, most importantly, recognition from promoters,”he said.

Mankonkwe hopes to one day share the stage with Jah Prayzah, Baba Harare and Enzo.