AS the new year slowly takes shape with multiple developments in different sectors expected, various artistes have pledged to continue entertaining their respective fans with renewed vigour.
Patriot Arts caught up with several artistes from different genres who revealed their prospects for 2017.
Sungura maestro Alick Macheso, also known as Baba Sharo, is one of the musicians expected to have a busy year with a number of projects.
First is his much anticipated reunion with Khiama Boys, a band from which he honed his skills in his career formative years.
The much touted reunion, which is yet to take place, will further cement his position as one of the best musicians in the country.
There is no doubt Baba Sharo is one musician who has redefined sungura and taken it to dizzy heights.
He remains a powerful artiste who consistently tackles different social aspects that reflect Zimbabwean culture and tradition through music.
After a brief but somewhat worrying hiatus in which he went for three years without releasing an album, Macheso bounced back last year with the album Tsoka Dzerwendo which was well received and topped various music charts.
His manager Tich Makahamadze revealed that the Orchestra Mberikwazvo camp had big plans for fans.
“We have plans to launch music videos that will be selected from previous songs that Macheso released,” said Makahamadze.
“We are yet to come up with the exact date and time, but Macheso is planning to release a new album.”
Makahamadze is optimistic that this year will also see Macheso developing a greater bond with his fans as many live shows are scheduled.
Another sungura musician, Romeo Gasa, who got in the music scene through the famous Chibuku Road to Fame show, said he has much in store for his followers.
The ‘Simbi Hombe’ hitmaker, like Macheso, said revellers should expect a DVD of his latest album, Bhoo Zvekuti.
Gasa, whose popularity now stretches beyond the country’s borders, also said he would be releasing a new album this year.
It seems local musicians have taken up the idea of releasing videos for their music as a way that can not only showcase their talent, but reflects the development of music locally.
But it remains to be seen if they have what it takes to produce quality videos that can match international standards.
Mutare-based gospel musician, Blessing Shumba also revealed his plans of unleashing a DVD for his fans.
“With God’s grace and guidance, I hope to release a DVD for my previous album Calvary,” he said.
Shumba said producing music videos was a way of entertaining revellers on one hand, while on the other preserving the artiste’s work in the hearts and mind of fans.
“People will always remember your message when there is a video to complement what you sang,” he said.
Just like fellow musicians, Shumba intends to release a new album this year.
For the fast-growing genre of Zim-dancehall, many should expect thrilling and fascinating developments that will, without doubt, make the industry more interesting.
Popular Zim-dancehall ace, Kelvin Kusikwenyu, better known as ‘Killer T’ or ‘Chairman’, is one dancehall artiste who has not disappointed.
According to his handler, Kudzai Biston, aka Supa, the musician has a lot to offer to his legion of fans.
“The Chairman has a lot of surprises in store, but unfortunately I can not reveal them now because I do not want to spoil the surprise,” he said.
“This year, the Chaiman will show the world that level rakwira.
“Expect one or two singles before the release of an album in the second half of the year.”
Supa said apart from entertaining local revellers, there are a number of international tours lined up for the dancehall musician and these include performances in countries like Australia and UK.
Representing the view of women in the music circles is Bulawayo-born actress, dancer and musician, Sandra Ndebele.
The mother of three said more shows are lined up this year.
“This year I plan to have more shows, introduce new stuff and now that I am no longer breastfeeding, it is waya waya on the stage,” she said.
There is no doubt Zimbabwean musicians are catching up with fellow musicians in the global music industry by being consistent in releasing quality albums, collaborations and performing at international festivals.
Such musicians include, Mukudzei ‘Jah Prayzah’ Mukombe, Dr Oliver Mtukudzi, Hope Masike and Mokoomba, among other artistes.
This year revellers should also expect a project that Jah Prayzah is currently working on with South African popular group Mafikizolo.
Mokoomba, a local group that has managed to make a name for itself at various international festivals, has promised a new offering.
Indeed, it is game on for entertainers this year!