HARARE - Entertainment powerhouse Chipaz Promotions owner, Partson Chimbodza Chimbodzas remarks give a ray of hope to many a musicians who felt abandoned by their industry colleagues, who were giving more preference to international superstars. Last year was characterized by a hive of international musicians jetting into the country. The likes of Sizzla, Akon, Shaun Paul, Brick and Lace, Beenie Man, T.O.K (Touch of Klass), Capleton and Kings Sounds courtesy of local music promoters such as Zimswag Entertainment, Red Rose Entertainment, Yedu Nesu Private Limited and Delta Beverages.
Quizzed on whether he was contemplating on joining the fray, Chimbodza hastened to point out that his heart remains local.
No. Im hundred per cent local and have no intentions of going international, said Chimbodza, who is arguably one of the biggest local promoters.
Chipaz Promotions played a central role in the rise of artistes such as Sulumani Sulu Chimbetu, Freddy Kapfupi Manjalima and the Apama dance group. Gospel godfather Pastor Charles Charamba, superstar Oliver Tuku Mtukudzi and sungura hitmaker Tongai Dhewa Moyo are some of the big names working closely with Chipaz Promotions.
Zim grabs top literacy title back from Tunisia
BY NGONI CHANAKIRA
HARARE
Zimbabwe has grabbed back its title as the most read nation in Africa back from French-speaking Tunisia.
“The latest results from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for 2011 show that we are now number one once again in Africa,” said Professor Christopher Chetsanga, a consultant for the UNDP, and chair of the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education.
“Zimbabwe had a literacy rate of 91.2 percent and was closely followed by Tunisia which stood at 90 percent,” Chetsanga said.
“This means that we are now Africa’s best read nation and we should be proud of ourselves.
Kenya has a 73 percent literacy rate, Nigeria 72 percent, Ghana 65 percent, Senegal 36 percent and Mali a paltry 26 percent.
“With more fund raising from the private sector we can get even better. This achievement is smoothing the path for Zimbabweans to enter the global society,” said Chetsanga.
Cindy takes guitar lessons
BY TONY SAXON
HARARE
Urban grooves sensation Cindy Munyavi is having guitar lessons a move that is expected to enhance her music.
In an interview Munyavi said she was hoping to establish a complete band.
It is time to move forward with my career. I am looking forward to
having a live band so that I can become an accomplished musician. Her second album is expected to be launched at the end of this month.
Munyavi, 25, who has been quiet for a while after releasing her debut album said her second 17-track offering, The Groove Theory, is a manifestation of the true essence of
Urban Grooves, which she claims have been widely misunderstood.
Urban Grooves is a unique art, it is a combination of various genres
of music fused together by different dynamic young artists. It is the
urban culture expressed through music, just as Kwaito is
regarded as the South African township music, said the Urban Grooves diva.
The album was mastered by various award winning producers
such as Sani Makhalima, Tatenda Take 5 Jenami, Gordon Native Flash
Mutekedza, Mark D and Russo to mention but just a few.
It features the classic single titled Nerudo, which is already receiving favourable airplay on national radio stations.
Watching a live performance of the song melts all hearts made of stone
by the mere acoustic sound of her meticulous voice constantly shifting
from high to low notes.
The album also features a bonus track titled Spare wheel, a combined
old rendition of Simon Chopper Chimbetus hits, One Way and Spare
wheel, which was initially released on Native Flashs album titled
Flashback. Other songs to watch out for are Maoko Mudenga, Ndorudawo
and Zuva.
My mom is my role model. She has raised me to appreciate certain values which have moulded me into a God-fearing, thoughtful, outspoken and respectful young female. Ive been in some of the most awkward situations but Ive managed to
get hold of myself, recalls Cindy who also revealed that she
inherited music genes from her grandfather who used to play for a band
called Deep Black Even Follies.
Juicer returns with Cease Fire: Zvinhu Zvacho
BY TONY SAXON
HARARE
Juicer Mpostori, the Mutare-born musician is singing his way to the top following the release of his second album, Cease Fire: Zvinhu Zvacho, which has created waves on the local entertainment scene.
“I am encouraged by the support that I continue receiving from my fans and music promoters alike across the country. I look forward to doing even better and deliver on their expectations. The point is to put my shoulder to the wheel and keep at
it so I that accrue the crucial and much-needed experience,” said
Juicer in a recent interview.
He is engaged in efforts to shoot videos to some of his old and new songs so that he has complete catalogued choreography.
Born Wiriranai Chakoroma-Maenda 27 years ago, the Benitah hit maker first burst
onto the music scene with his first major hit single Unondiona Sei? In 2008.
He followed up with the release of his debut album Maitiro Angu. Last year in December he had the privileged honour of sharing the stage with the legendary music senior superstar Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi at Chapter One Leisure Centere in Mutare.
Local drummer tops UNESCO list
BY NGONI CHANAKIRA
HARARE
Top international drummer, Lawrence Vambe, whose drumming sequence is used before and after news bulletins on ZBC, has been recognised by the United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organsation (Unesco) for his drum beating feat.
Vambe is currently the band leader of the Mhende Dance Troup from Masvingo, home of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins monument.
“He has been listed by UNESCO on its World Intangible System list,” said a top historian in an exclusive interview with The Zimbabwean on Sunday. *******
“Lawrence Vambe has done not only himself but the whole country very proud. We must all congratulate him.”
Vambe performs at major local and international functions in Zimbabwe and abroad wearing African attire worn during the days before Independence in 1980.
His most popular dance is the famous “Mhende Dance” from Masvingo Province which has become his band’s name.
Tambaogas redemption song bites the hand that feeds him
BY YEUKAI MOYO
HARARE
Controversial musician Tambaoga, whose music career suffered a stillbirth following his Zanu (PF) praise song Agirimende (agreement), has made a desperate comeback with an album that features a redemption song, which castigates the countrys police force and senior government officials as very corrupt.
The redemption song titled Huori (corruption) shows frantic efforts by the Zanu (PF) sympathizer to gain favourable appeal to a wider audience.
Huori, the opening song on the eight-track album Mudungwe (straight
file), labels the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and top officials as indulging in corrupt activities for self enrichment.
He sings, Mamwe mapurisa avekuita huori/ Kunonzi kuondonga nyika nekuita huori, kutsiura mapurisa haanzwi/ Zvino nguva yakwana yekuti Mambo mapurisa muavharire mutirongo (Some big headed police officers are becoming very corrupt. They are destroying the country. It is high time they faced the wrath of the law.)
The song further goes on to blast senior Zanu (PF) members said to be corruptly enjoying the wealth of the country at the expense of the povo.
Mamwe mashefu edu akuita huori/ Atumwa basa akuisa muhombodo. Kunonzi kuondonga nyika nekuita huori/ Kutsiura mashefu haanzwi/ Zvino yakwana nguva yekuti mamwe mashefu edu tivharire mutirongo. (Some of our bosses are greedy and corrupt they are misusing state resources. It is high time we expose and brought them to book.)
A music analyst said, Tambaoga is well known for his close links with several Zanu (PF) big wigs, his bosses. In the song, he emphasizes that mashefu edu (our bosses) are very corrupt. This shows that Tambaoga finally saw his bosses illicit activities and decided to bite the hand that feeds him.
The rest of the album takes a dramatic turn by focusing on love, tradition and religion – unlike his previous albums, which featured only political songs.
Chipaz Promotions – 100% local
BY YEUKAI MOYO
HARARE
Entertainment powerhouse Chipaz Promotions owner, Partson Chimbodza, has vowed to keep promoting and marketing local artists. His initiative that has seen several musicians breaking onto the mainstream music scene.
Chimbodzas remarks give a ray of hope to many a musicians who felt abandoned by their industry colleagues, who were giving more preference to international superstars.
Last year was characterized by a hive of international musicians jetting into the country. The likes of Sizzla, Akon, Shaun Paul, Brick and Lace, Beenie Man, T.O.K (Touch of Klass), Capleton and Kings Sounds courtesy of local music promoters such as Zimswag Entertainment, Red Rose Entertainment, Yedu Nesu Private Limited and Delta Beverages.
Quizzed on whether he was contemplating on joining the fray, Chimbodza hastened to point out that his heart remains local.
No. Im hundred per cent local and have no intentions of going international, said Chimbodza, who is arguably one of the biggest local promoters.
Chipaz Promotions played a central role in the rise of artistes such as Sulumani Sulu Chimbetu, Freddy Kapfupi Manjalima and the Apama dance group.
Gospel godfather Pastor Charles Charamba, superstar Oliver Tuku
Mtukudzi and sungura hitmaker Tongai Dhewa Moyo are some of the big names working closely with Chipaz Promotions.