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LEONARD Zhakata reckons he struck the right chords in his 22nd album titled ‘‘Mupendero Wenguva’’.
The well-knit album was recently launched in Harare and Kadoma respectively.
The phenomenal lyricist, who engaged the services of young producers, said the huge gamble he made paid off.
The Zimbabwe All Stars boss also believes that he nailed it, as the album caters for both the older and younger generations.
However, it is the love his fans have been showing him after the corporate launch at a Harare hotel, which humbled the immensely gifted choreographer and songwriter.
The album carries seven sublime songs, Mufandichimuka, Runyoro Pamadziro, Dairai Tenzi, Inguva, Chiyi Nesu Mukadzi Mushingi and a gospel track It Is well, featuring Bethen Pasinawako.
Gibson Makumbe of VOT Studios produced four songs while Mr Tapiwa of Touch Studios did two with Lyton Ngolomi recording one song.
l GRATITUDE
Now in his early 50s, Zhakata said he was humbled as many people still appreciate his music.
He pocketed over US$15 000 at the launch of his album on December 14.
Herentals Group of Colleges boss, Innocent Benza, was the biggest bidder of the night as he purchased the CD for US$6 000.
Kadoma-based businessman and family friend, Cossy Rules, bought it for US$2 000.
“To be honest with you, I never felt this love before,” said the media shy Zhakata.
“As an artist, my job is to sing and inspire future generations and it is my hope that I will continue winning the hearts of many.
“With this new album, I just wanted to show people that we are evolving and the gamble we made is really paying off,” he said.
Zhakata said it was never too late for fellow artists to reinvent the wheel.
“We need to think outside the box and learn new ideas from the younger generation of producers we have in our midst.
“In my case, I had seen the potential the young producers have and that’s why I roped them into this project.
“I tried to cater for both the younger and older generations as part of my evolution in music,” he said.
l WAYWARD
After overlooking yesteryear producers on this album, Zhakata said he would never abandon them.
“I have explained it before that I was only experimenting and this does not mean that I no longer having faith in the people that made me a household name back in the day.
“In every profession, there is a need to reinvent the wheel as well as undertaking refresher courses.
“Without refresher courses, we are as good as nothing.
“I have always wanted to learn new things and the gamble is really
paying off,” he added.
l CHRISMAS MESSAGE
As an influential figure, Zhakata has a special message to his old and new fans.
“Christmas time comes with a lot of parties where we need to party responsibly.
“We should also remember there will be life after Christmas and we need not overspend.
“In January, schools will be opening and we should be prepared for the new term,” added Zhakata.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter