GROWING up on a Simon Chimbetu musical diet, Saviours Mawere never imagined himself setting out to pursue a career in music.
BY SILENCE CHARUMBIRA ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER
To him, his love for the dendera icon would just remain a distant admiration like any other music fan.
But after completing his Ordinary Level at Salisbury High School in Mt Darwin in 2006 with no prospects of employment, it dawned on him he could actually compose music.
“Being in the same age range with Chimbetu’s son Sulumani and nephew Tryson, I figured out nothing could stop me from trying out,” said Mawere.
Yet that alone could not give him employment as the music industry was facing multiple challenges among them piracy.
“I had to wait and hustle like other youths of my age and was fortunate to buy two Toyota Raum vehicles that I use as taxis,” said Mawere.
It was only last year that Mawere committed to recording his debut album Stories in Chapter One, which has also not brought him much joy except recognition from among his taxi driver peers.
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“I find solace in the music though as I spend time grappling with dodging the police and city council officers every day to eke out a living,” he said.
“I have become very popular at Fife Avenue Shopping Centre where many, including residents and taxi drivers who hear my music playing, tend to think one of the Chimbetus has released a new offering.
“I sold thousands of CDs to people who marvel after knowing I am the one who recorded the music and I am confident it will work one day.”
Mawere says although he is yet to reap as much as he wishes, signs are that he is there to prove a point.
Born on October 10 1985 in Masvingo, Kawere is the fourth child in an even gender distribution among six children.
He did his primary education at Lytton Primary School in Kambuzuma before enrolling at Salisbury High School in Mt Darwin for his secondary education.
Unlike most musicians who concede they are inspired by other great artistes, Mawere’s music has a respectable degree of originality.
One can tell from the instrumental arrangement that there is a touch of Chimbetu, but will not be tempted to take it as one of the lazy compositions.
What the musician may need to work on are his vocals and their arrangement to complement the depth of the social issues that he tackles.
The six-track album contains tracks like Melody, Baba Vevana, Roora, Girlfriend, Kupatsanura and Musandikanganwe.
The musician is working on a yet-to-be named album that will be released in August and hopes it will thrust him into a higher level.
