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Success story of Trevor Dongo

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ARGUABLY, Trevor Dongo is the most gifted vocalist in the country and has hit after hit to prove it.
He has come to be known as the Prince of Zimbabwean RnB.
The 29-year-old singer is currently making waves with his song, ‘African Girl’ taken from his fourth studio album Two Steps to Go.
The Patriot Arts reporter Shingirai Mpofu (SM) caught up with the vocal ‘beast’ Trevor Dongo (TD) to talk about his music and life thus far.
SM: Why and where did the title Prince of RnB come from and why not the king?
TD: Well, first and foremost, I have to say, for me to be where I am right now was because of the help I got from a lot of people.
I do not view myself as better than anyone and being described as the Prince of RnB is an overwhelming honour, there are musicians much better than me out there, some of whom I actually draw inspiration from.
While the glory of being recognised and appreciated in one’s craft is important for an artiste, I do not focus on it that much because I believe there is a lot I am yet to learn from musicians in and outside Zimbabwe.
SM: You have been in the industry for some time now and music wise you are known but who is Trevor Dongo outside music?
TD: I’m a down-to-earth being who grew up in Highfield, Harare.
I did my primary education at Rusvingo Primary School and secondary education at Kwayedza High School in Highfield. I grew up under the care of my grandmother after my parents separated. I am the first born in a family of six and the only boy.
SM: When did you discover your musical talent?
TD: It just started off as a hobby.
At school I used to write songs and record demos and the passion kept on growing. Then I decided to sing for a living and just like everybody else I had my doubts. I was studying art at college and did the two simultaneously in case the music career did not work out as planned.
SM: You now have four albums to your name. What is the secret behind your success and chart-topping songs?
TD: This may sound like a cliché because a lot of people say it all the time, but I will say it and continue to say it, it is all God.
Without Him, I would not have come this far and I would not have written some of the chart topping songs I have written.
He has put the right people into my life and those are the people that have helped me throughout the years.
For example, my producer; Macdonald Chidavaenzi and the musicians I collaborate with; the likes of Marbel Madondo, Soul Jah Love, Shyman Shaizo, Trey XL and Tehn Diamond.
The song, ‘African Girl’ which features Soul Jah Love and Shyman Shaizo from Zambia is in fact making waves on the radio and I thank God for the success.
SM: How has been the experience of featuring different artistes outside of your genre?
TD: It has given me more exposure and uplifted my career.I am no longer cocooned to one type of music but I have now broadened my wings.
SM: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
TD: In the next five years I see myself owning an arts centre that helps young people pursue their talents. I am going to keep on praying about it.
SM: What is your opinion about the country’s music business?
TD: Well, the country’s music business has changed for the better, for example, sound quality and videos are much better. And I believe it is on the right track as we see the corporate world slowly chipping in with endorsements for musicians.
SM: Most people are curious to know where you draw inspiration from.
TD: I get my inspiration from life itself and my role models are many but I am just going to try mention a few; Keith Sweat,Tevin Campbell, R Kelly, Joe Thomas, Shayne Ward ,Chris Martin, Oliver Mtukudzi, Baba Manyeruke ,Kudzi Nyakudya, Jah Cure, Bethen and many others.
SM: Thank you.
TD: My pleasure.

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