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Munyaradzi Chamalimba recently in Chivhu
At times we have to move out of our self designed prisons which narrow our vision and make us believe that we are destined for doom.
The reality is we have been born to do great and mightier exploits. It is true that young people have shifted boundaries and now live in a world of opportunities whose only limitation is the mind and not the environment. It needs desire determination and ability to think differently.
Such is the case of 11 year-old Evaristo Mhere of Chivhu who has made major strides in living his dream. The young lad has improvised the discarded empty bottles of opaque beer to make drums.
Cool Lifestyle caught up with the drummer who said drums are his passion.
“l was born a musician and I love drums. However, with my background it is difficult for me to acquire a standard drum or guitar, so have opted for opaque beer containers,” he said.
Evaristo said art subject should be taken seriously as it can sustain livelihood.
Drawing inspiration from his uncle, a renowned gospel artiste, Mathias Mhere of “Favour” fame, the drummer said his talent is God-given.
“My uncle inspires me a lot. His music has touched many souls and I pray that when the time comes my music might do the same if not better,” he said.
Looking into the future Mhere has a dream of enrolling at school at which he can learn music at the same time continue with his academics.
“I believe one day I will be an artiste to reckon with. I would want my music to impact the world like musical guru Oliver Mtukudzi.
“To young people I say believe in yourself; listen to advice from your teachers and parents for they know what is good for you.”
The drummer added that he participates in school drama and a traditional dance group in Chivhu and wishes to come to Harare so as to market himself more.
“My dream is to share the stage with top renowned local musicians. Given the opportunity I can prove to the Hararians that Chivhu’s got talent,” he said.
The drummer explained how his drums from “mascud” (opaque beers containers) produces good sound.
“Necessity is the mother of invention. I have cut the containers differently so that they produce different sounds all together and I love it. This invention was an exciting one which made me an instant celebrity at school and in the community as I am also invited at different social gatherings to come and play my music. Interestingly people really appreciate and support me all the way especially my schoolmates,” said Mhere.
He said drums are important in Africa.
“Drums play an important role in every aspect of African life, including the physical, emotional and spiritual. African hand drums are played to communicate, celebrate, mourn and inspire. They’re played in times of peace and war, planting and harvesting, birth and death,” he said.
Mhere added that drums are inseparable from the African culture as they help define it.
Online Reporter