Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
SOLO guitarist Kireni Zulu remains committed to reviving the careers of veteran musicians, insisting he will not give up on preserving the country’s rich musical heritage.
The affable Marabi king has worked with over 20 yester-year stars, many of whom were widely believed to have faded into obscurity.
Beyond reviving musical careers, Zulu has also joined the fight against drug and substance abuse through his song Zvinodhaka, which features 25 living legends.
Some of the artistes he has worked with on the project include Knowledge Kunenyathi, Job Mashanda, Albert Nyathi, Mitchell Jambo, Foster Mkweu, John “Chibhodhoro” Muyambo, Gulf Makina, Busi Ncube, Jane Chenjerai, Jonah Moyo and Micron Jambo, among others.
He has also been assisting some of these artistes to record new songs ahead of their potentially explosive comeback launch party, which is set for August in Harare.
However, he conceded that funding most of his projects has not been easy, as he relies on proceeds from his live performances.
“Sometimes the going gets tough since I am using my own resources, especially the proceeds from my shows,” Zulu told the Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
“What keeps me going is the passion these musicians continue to show in everything we are doing together.
“For your own information, some of the musicians I have roped into this project had completely quit music.
“For instance, Kunenyathi had become a pastor in Buhera, while Foster Mkweu had found employment elsewhere.
“As for Job Mashanda, he was moving from place to place, and the last time I checked on him, he was staying with his grandchildren. However, we managed to convince him to revive his career.” Zulu said he was open to partnerships to help revive the careers of fellow musicians.
“I have a lot of faith that some of these stars are still immensely talented, and they will certainly bring back the good old vibes.
“I know new musicians have emerged and done well while these veterans were on a sabbatical, but it is never too late for them to catch up. Zulu, who also works with the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) as a counsellor and volunteer in Mashonaland West Province, has vowed to team up with these veteran musicians during prison visits.
“I am a multi-tasking man. Besides working with veteran musicians, I also visit prisons and work with inmates.
“Whenever I meet talented inmates who have a passion for music or art, I record them free of charge and hand over their productions to the ZPCS.
“As I continue making these regular visits, my wish is to rope in a number of veteran musicians so they can also inspire inmates and share valuable life lessons,” Zulu said in a wide-ranging interview.
As another way of giving back to society, Zulu has also been mobilising resources to empower the widows of deceased musicians. Zulu, who blends comedy with music, is also an accomplished author with several books to his name.
His published works include Miromo Yevakuru, Chisi Hachieri Musi Wacharimwa, Nyoka Yapinda Mumba, and Mutikitivha Majuru. A former police officer and street photographer, Zulu also boasts an extensive catalogue of albums. These include Panyika Pano (1998), Mazai Adhimba (2000), Mupata Wachidembo (2003), Nyevero (2004), Marabi Music (2005), Sekuru (2007), Vhira Chivaro (2010), Marabi Queens (2010), Prophet Kitwell (2016), as well as several singles.
