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R-Kay The Big Stage
This week I have come up with some issues that I hope will become regular in this column and I am still looking at some areas that may be of interest.
As I start, I wish to pass my condolences to the Somanje family at the loss of one of Zimbabwe’s sungura legend Daiton Somanje. May his music live on and his soul rest in eternal peace.
Artistes on the move
Humble, down to earth, hard working consistent reliable is the master bassist Enock Piroro.
Over the years I have worked close to him since our days as Tidings of Love when we would once in a while hire his services as a bass player whether live on stage or in studio.
Recently I saw his post on social media where he was appreciating the opportunity he got to perform with Zahara of South Africa at a concert in Birmingham.
Currently playing with Oliver Mtukudzi, Piroro is a rare type of musician with the amount of experience and talent but he has remained a true gentleman in the game of crazy musicians.
He is an international bass guitarist and vocalist who has worked with regional and international artistes.
He has worked with Sam Mutukudzi, Dudu Manhenga and Color Blu, Victor Kunonga, Tanga wekwaSando, Andy Brown, Prudence Katomeni, Plaxedes Wenyika, Shingisai Suluma, Pastor G and Pastor Herman Chimusoro among others.
He is also into business entrepreneurship and he is in the board of trustees for ARC (African Renaissance Charter) an organisation for wealth creation, empowerment and realisation for the young people
Band on the move
A combination of three men, one on the saxophone, one on drums and another on the keyboard call themselves Jam Signal.
Uniquely talented, each one of them brings to the mix a rare appreciation and mastery of their instruments such that watching them perform on stage will leave you amazed
These three young lads Abel Maunga (keyboard) Mutsawashe Gudlanga(drummer) Osborne Matengenzara(saxophone) have everything that it takes to rock up and bring the house down with their unique blend of music they have coined Urban House Fusion most probably the only band of this kind in Zimbabwe.
They launched their music career sometime in 2012 and their star has continued to shine brighter by the day.
Adored by both the young and old performing for cooperate wedding functions and festivals they are here to stay and are a must watch band.
Ngoma Ngairire Producers
platform
Zimbabwean music has continued to grow and continues to show that artistes and producers are working tirelessly to create unique and entertaining music products which the local market is slowly waking up to appreciate .
Lined up in the following months are platforms of discussions debates mentorship for music producers that will seek to pave a communion of like minds in the music industry.
If all goes according to plan the desire of this movement is to celebrate and appreciate the role music producer’s play in transforming artistes’ ideas into commercially viable products.
Xpress Yourself @ radio.com
The past 25 years for me have heard to do with waking up to rush to some school to discover and develop and help the young citizens to appreciate and master the art of music.
There is a lot that is happening currently in terms of developing young stars but there are very few platforms that are giving special attention to this area.
So the question is: At what point do we begin to recognise music development or one’s ability to perform?
Do we have to wait for them to finish school first, graduate from university then give them a go ahead to venture into the music game.
Coming up soon is a platform called Xpress yourself@ radio.com and so if you are young and musically talented, you have recorded and you want to show the world what you’ve got.
The Xpress yourself project gives all young Zimbabweans who have developed proficiency in some area of musical performance an opportunity to share with the world their unique skills.
Album of the week
Last weekend on my radio show ‘The Playback’ I started on a mission to give you an opportunity to sample some of the hottest albums on the market and have your say.
Brian Kadengu’s new and first album is a must have for any music collector as it demonstrates true musicianship from the lyrical content, musical arrangements and the diversity of musical styles and expressions.
It’s an amazing eight track album which is titled “Nyaya Dzerudo”.
Sandra Ndebele, Kudzie Phiri and Rumbie Musheshe have new projects which I will soon showcase, be sure to tune into ‘The Playback’ every Saturday from 12 to 3pm on Starfm.
◆ Richard Kohola is radio producer and presenter arts critic and development expert get in touch with him on 0772 382 871 or [email protected]/[email protected]
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