By Fidelis Manyange
MUSICIANS in Zimbabwe normally take a break from holding live shows in January.
This is the time they spend with their families as well as mixing and mingling with people on a social level.
This reporter managed to interact with various artistes who shared some of their plans for the year 2024.
One Bulawayo-based Afro Jazz musician, Jeys Marabini, cast in the mould of Lovemore Majaivana in terms of popularity, said that after holding a successful month’s tour in Europe last year, is promising another album before end of the year as well as collaborations.
Uk-based and award-winning UK-based Outstanding Male-Gospel-Music-Artiste-of-the-Year (ZCN Awards) (2020) Lewis Ngara, who has decided to also venture into comedy, says his fans should expect more comedy skits on YouTube this year.
“I do the (skits) together with my wife Tau Ngara and her sister Roda Muza (pictured) and we are all nurses here” said Lewis.
The gospel artiste who has 10 albums to his name and many singles to date says despite challenges from his new job as a nurse, he will be holding shows here and there. Lewis’ music has been topping local radio charts the previous years. The former teacher says he has been a comedian since childhood but was limited on how to showcase the talent because of the environment he grew up in.
Alick Macheso, who spend the better part of January at his Chivhu farm, said he is going to release an album on the 7th of June this year.
Allan Chimbetu, the frontman of Orchestra Dendera Kings (Central Committee), said he is going to release his 7th album in April.
“As a band we are going to promote our Dendera music and interact with fans intensively on social media through posting pictures and videos of live shows as well as touring overseas ,” said Allan, who is regarded as one of the country’s best rhythm guitarist.
Jazz songstress of the ‘BP Yangu Yakwira’ fame, Prudence Katomeni Mbofana, when asked about her resolutions, has this to say: “2024 for me is an opportunity not only to work on new goals but continue to advance towards previously set ones and also try again goals that may have failed to set off in the past (sic).”
“I do not believe in giving up on the latter because they did not succeed before as I believe that the universe had not yet aligned for those plans to take of, so I keep on living and pressing forward, no regrets. (sic)”
Mutare-based gospel diva Agatha Murudzwa said that she is going to work extra hard to upgrade her family and siblings’ lives as she cements her legacy.
“I am also working on my 16th album due for release this year called ‘Sufficient Grace’,” said Murudzwa.
Talented guitarist and musician Sizwangendaba Ncube, who now leads the Hwange-based Kwejani Band said he and his boys are busy in the studio recording an album to be released soon. The musician who comes from Jambezi, in Chief Shana’s area, between Victoria Falls and Hwange, added that he and his band are planning on holding shows outside Matabeleland despite transport challenges.
Despite holding public office as a Councillor for Ward 20 of Nkulumane 12, Bulawayo, Sandra Ndebele says she is going to hold more shows and use them as a way of interfacing with the people of his area. She says she won’t abandon showbiz any time soon.
Amos Mahendere, now known as Father Amos Mahendere, says he is going to release 20 songs this year.
“I have been building a state-of-the-art recording studio for the past three years here in Chitungwiza and its finished now” said Mahendere.
“The studio, which I believe is one of the best in the country, will start functioning this year and will cater for every musician but mostly youths from Chitungwiza to keep them away from drugs and crime as they will be busy pursuing their talents”.
Youths will be taught how to play instruments as well as co-ordinating actors at the studio which he named The Base Academy Community Recording Studio.
Almost forgotten gospel diva Amanda Sagonda says she is making a comeback album with some of the songs already done with veteran musicians like Reverend Chivaviro, Jonah Mgazi and Bethany Pasinawako Ngolomi.
Sungura artiste Blessing Gupa Marezva said he is going to release a six-track album in June with some of the songs focusing on thanking his fans who voted for his songs.
First Batani, aka First Farai, said he is going to release a new album early this year and is doing a collaboration with a surprise artiste.
Ndux Malax Junior of ‘Lerato’ fame has this to say: “As a seasoned musician, I do not want to disappoint myself by making unfulfilled resolutions thus I live by what I have and what I have been getting over the years.”
Epworth-based guitarist, who is also former Progress Chipfumo, Kapfupi and Sigma Boys’ bass guitarist Luke Kancheta, aka Bhibho waMoto, said he is going to release an Afro fusion four-track album called ‘Zvamada’ which will have sungura, Rhumba, Reggae and Afrojazz tracks.
“I am going to involve my former bandmates like Kapfupi, Progress Chipfumo, Baba Harare, Shacky Kamatira (aka Madzibaba Shekede) and son of veteran musician Shepherd Chinyani Simbarashe in the project. WaMoto said it is going to be the people’s choice which is going to determine the genre to pursue for him.
Controversial Uzumba-born Andrew Ndlovu, aka Andy Muridzo, said he will be staying far away from controversy and will focus on the stage.
“I will be touring Australia and hold several shows next month and will hold more international tours as well as engaging in collaborations,” said the talented musician who had a nasty divorce case with former wife Chido Manyange, aka Mai Keketso, and was also accused by dancer Beverly Sibanda of impregnating her.