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Tafadzwa Zimoyo : Arts Reporter
“I want to bring back lost memories as I know there are a lot of those in my time who so loved my music. Yes I have retired but I am not done, music is in my blood.” Legendary retired music singer, songwriter, and bass player Zex Manatsa has been selected among other African musicians for the gospel Free to Worship Concert scheduled to take place in England next month.Manatsa will share the stage with South African musician Ntokozo Mbambo before the choir takes centre-stage at Dominion Centre, North London, Woodgreen.
The “Chipo Chiroorwa” hit maker is scheduled to leave on September 25 and return after a month.
The concert is running under the theme “Project Restoration” in a bid to bring back the music groove intertwining the legends and the youngsters.
In an interview, Manatsa said he was happy to take part at this initiative.
“I am excited about the show and this is not my first time to be in the UK but performing in the country, it would be a first after a long break.
“I want to bring back lost memories as I know there are a lot of those in my time who so loved my music. Yes I have retired but I am not done yet, music is in my blood,” he said.
Manatsa said he will draw his discography from an array of some of his greatest hits that made him popular.
“It is a great honour performing with another generation, yet alone they missed or don’t even know how you perform.
“I am the composer for the famous song ‘Tarira Uone Ruoko RwaMwari’ and ‘Kudenga Kune Nyaya’ among others.
“Free to Worship is a great group and I will also use my expertise in music to empower them,” he said.
Manatsa rose to fame in the 1970s and 80s, after releasing tracks which have proved to be all-time hits such as “Chipo Chiroorwa”, “Bambo Mwakwatila”, “Vaparidzi Vawanda”, “Mwana Waenda”, “Chechule Anavala Bottom”, and “Chimwamuna Chamimba”.
Organiser of the show Tawanda Sarireni said they picked Manatsa because of his good ministry in music.
“This is one legend that has stood against all odds. Manatsa has achieved a lot and we want that to be transferred to the younger generation. He is a brand and we hope we achieve our goal,” he said.
He said Manatsa and Mbambo will conduct a workshop on music prior to the event.
“The team will arrive earlier for social interaction and blending with other musicians. We want them to conduct a workshop, sharing their experience in music field,” he said.
Free to Worship is a 32 interdenominational member group based in UK run by ZAOGA church.
On the night they will record a live DVD and a fifth album.
They have performed in US and Athens.
The group comprised of people from Rwanda, Nigeria, Ghana and South Africans with the largest number being Zimbabweans.
Online Reporter