The award-winning musician said his latest offering titled “Take Charge” was dedicated topromoting tolerance among Zimbabweans. His passion for art saw him opening up the biggest music academy and a recording studio in this gold mining town some years ago to tap musicl talent among youths.
“People who are true Rastafarians are often misunderstood. To many dreadlocked people smoke ganja, are criminals and cannot be placed in positions that require trust and responsibility. Yet these people in reality fear God, believe in the supremacy of life and love and respect nature. After observing the marginalisation of the Rastafari and dreadlocked people in general, I thought of putting across a strong message about them,” he said.
The message is summarised in the title “Tanga Wagerwa” in which the persona is urged to relinquish his Rastafari religion and also shave off his dreadlocks before he can be admitted to any platforms that benefit him, like employment, marriage, social clubs among others.
Other tracks in the album are full of encourage-ment for good morals in society especially among youths. “The album has been warmly received. It can be described as Reggae fused with a bit of afro jazz. The album is “user friendly” as it can be enjoyed by a wide cross-section of audiences,” said Jumo, 39.
His passion for music and art dates back to 2004, when he decided to go against the grain by identifying, nurturing and supporting untapped talent in Kwekwe.
To make this initiative a living reality, Jumo established Duemosteel Enta10ment in 2004, which has grown to become the most prominent entertainment powerhouse in the Midlands province.
The company has three departments, Duemosteel Recording Studio, Bantuman i & Steelthrob, and Chipondechangu Arts Academy, which deals with talent identification and nurturing. The academy teaches all forms of the performing arts to age groups ranging from 12 to 35 years.
Graduates include Prince Kapatsa (drummer) and Munyaradzi Katemanyoka (keyboards, bass) who are now playing for afro-jazz luminary Bob Nyabinde. Evelyn Phiri and Tinashe Muzerengwa have joined a band called Terry & the Bliss which won the Chibuku Road to Fame national finals in 2013.
Kudakwashe Lunga and David Mbanga’s songs have enjoyed fair airplay on the airwaves, especially on Power FM radio station.
Post published in: Entertainment