Bantuman i, real name Tawanda Jumo, owns one of the most successful recording studios in the country and is also owner of a thriving music academy in the city.
The project we are carrying out at the moment is known as Chipo Ndechangu and its objective is to identify talented youths between the ages 13 and 35.When we identify them in auditions we are conducting in community halls and schools in Kwekwe, we will then bring them to the academy, refine their skills and record their music and send it for airplay on radio and television. This is all done for free, said Bantuman i, famed for his hit Tanga Wagerwa which seeks to correct negative stereotypes on deadlocked people.
Musical talent in Zimbabwe, the outspoken artist noted, is abundant at grassroots levels where there are disadvantaged youngsters. There are youths which were not given academic skills but can earn a living through the power of the mic and so we also try to give these the exposure they need, he added.
Its not the first time that Bantuman i, has embarked on such a project. In 2005 he put together a compilation album that was titled Manunure Mic Fever 1, which had tracks from students of Manunure High School found in Kwekwe.
In 2007 he again recorded another album, Chipo Ndechangu Volume 1 which again was composed of songs by able but disadvantaged youngsters and it saw him being given a grant by Culture Fund so he could continue with the good work.
Chipo Ndechangu Volume 2 is going to be the product of the current project and according to the reggae artist, it will have tracks from 15 youthful artists.
Post published in: Music