“I grew up with strict Christian values and it was ingrained in me at a tender age to have reverence for God – so my parents being far away has not taken anything from me because I know that God is always with me,” he told The Zimbabwean recently.
Chimbwanda, who is studying information technology with the University of South Africa, is a music producer and businessman who has worked with a number of big name artists from his home land, having started in the industry while living in Harare.
“I have always been a musician and started off at the Ambassadors of Christ Church choir at the age of seven. As time went on, I learnt how to play the keyboard. Looking at successful musicians of the time, I realized back then that I could make a living out of music and set myself to learn more about it.”
At the age of 16, he made the switch to dance hall music after meeting Mockery Major, producer of King Shaddy’s song, “Danmore”. A year later, in 2006, the success-driven Chimbwanda opened his own studio, Kumbitronix, in Harare, and began to record upcoming artists.
“I had realized that most talented musicians were struggling to get a chance to showcase their ability and decided to dedicate my production house to them. I recorded mostly underground artists who came from in and around Harare,” said the music producer and promoter.
“In the same year, I teamed up with Dr Clarence to record the song ‘One more time’. This was my first release to be played regularly on Zimbabwean radio stations and that gave me a lot more zeal to carry on. It was quite refreshing listening to my own song on the radio on a regular basis, with all those encouraging comments from disc Jockeys and fans. It was the best way to launch one’s road to fame.”
Zimbabwe’s economy spiralled downwards as its political crisis deepened in 2008 and that pushed Chimbwanda out of his homeland in search of better life opportunities.
Unlike millions of his countrymen who came to their southern neighbour to seek employment, Chimbwanda’s main aim was to give his company a new base from which to operate, so he hit the ground running and bought recording equipment, opening a home studio that he still operates today.
“In a bid to learn more on the dynamic world of music production, I also chose to enrol for my Information Technology degree, which I hope to complete within the next few years, but I had to get a reliable source of income, so music production filled that gap.
“I also work with urban grooves star Nox Guni and my long-time friend, Taffy DT. I have not stopped singing myself and as we speak, I am in the middle of putting together an album that will feature Dr Clarence, Mockery, Zovenga, Shona Mite and some top African musicians I cannot name now. The album will be launched in South Africa and Zimbabwe early next year. I am also in the process of expanding the studio into something bigger and more visible by moving into the Pretoria city centre and casting the net even wider,” he said.
Chimbwanda has also held free recording sessions for his homeboys, but only those who show potential. “What beats most of us is our lack of marketing techniques and proper strategies. We need to work extra hard on that and make sure that more and more videos from our artists get the attention of the international audience. That is the only way for us to move forward.
“I am also willing to keep helping other talented musicians find their feet and the platform, especially here, where the going is usually very tough because of the stiff competition. However, there are vast opportunities for those who are talented, dedicated and pushy.”
His advice to fellow youngsters is that they must have focus, keep their feet on the ground and remain humble even when fame and fortune strike.
Post published in: Africa News