Zim director makes Awilo video

Farai Kuvirimirwa Arts Correspondent
United Kingdom-based Zimbabwean director Tatenda Jamera has scored big after he directed Congolese rhumba musician Awilo Longomba’s latest video “Bundelele”. Jamera who is a skilled lighting technician, camera operator hogged the limelight after he directed the video which features energetic dancer and choreographer Ezinne Asinugo. The Zimbabwean director is rightly credited for his work on the video’s acknowledgements.

In an interview from his Oxford base, Jamera who is also proprietor of Jam Era Creations said he has worked on various projects in various parts of the world which include Nicki Minaj’s video of “Freedom”.

“I am elated with the achievements I made in the music industry and when directing Awilo’s ‘Bundelele’ video it was quite a different experience from all other videos I have done. Awilo and Ezinne are both energetic and this was the case right through the video.” he said.

“As you can tell from the final result that after dancing to it you would probably have lost a calorie or two. I met Awilo through his manager, we talked about the ‘Bundelele’ song and from there I came up with a concept and we filmed it.”

The Mutare born director said he did his primary and secondary education in his home area before leaving for the United Kingdom.
“I did my primary education at Chancellor Primary School in Mutare and went on to do my O’ Levels at St Augustines Secondary School in Penhalonga before I came to the UK where I did my A’ Levels at Oxford and Cherwell Valley College.

“I proceeded and did my BA in Digital Film Making at SAE in Oxford in 2011,” he said.
Jamera indicated he expanded his catalogue and worked on various projects with other prominent and award winning artists such as Alexandra Burke and Cover Drive.

“I started my career with a music promo for NDUBZ and went on to work with the likes of Nicki Minaj on the song Freedom, Olly Murs, Alexandra Burke, Cover Drive, Dappy, Tinchy Stryder among others. Working with them has not only introduced me to new people, but big ideas and global concepts that have helped influence my work and what I am,” he said.