ZIMBABWE’S internationally acclaimed drummer-cum-singer Blessing Chimanga, popularly known as Blade, has finished recording his debut album Dreams which will be launched on February 28 at Alliance Francaise.
BY WINSTONE ANTONIO
The nine-track album, produced by David Sengwayo, features foreign artistes.
Chimanga, the founder of the Let The Drums Speak contest, an annual festival where artistes showcase their drum playing skills, said he was happy to be launching the album, thus fulfilling his dreams.
“It has not been easy for me to record this debut album which is a summary of my musical journey from the day I decided to become a professional artiste,” Chimanga said.
“I had to endure a tough patch that at some point, I contemplated quitting due to pressure, but the desire to release an album made me strong.”
Chimanga said to achieve their targeted goals, people should not let anything get in their way. “I have travelled far because of music. I have met and interacted with people I never imagined because of music.
“I hope that many people will be encouraged through this album,” he said. The drummer-cum-singer said it had been an honour to feature some great musicians on the album, among them bass guitarist Barry Likumahuwa from Indonesia, saxophonist Estaban Copete, Alex Asher and Seth Paris from the United States of America, Vusa Mkhaya from Austria, Dudu Manhenga and Baba Shupi.
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Chimanga started professional music in 2006 when he played for the late Sam Mtukudzi. Since then, he has played with other musicians like Josh Meck, Bob Nyabinde, Hope Masike, Manhenga, the late Chiwoniso Maraire, Tariro Negitare, Eric Wainaina (Kenya), Ray Phiri (South Africa), The Kokos (Norway), Ary Morais (Norway), Pastor G and Chikwata 263.
He has also performed at international events such as Harare International Festival of the Arts, Festival in Botswana, Stubbetorpet Festival in Sweden and Winter Jazz Festival.
He has had the privilege to share the stage with international artistes such as Cocktail Slippers (Norway), Hugh Masekela (South Africa), Pastor Donnie McClurkin (US) and Benjamin Dube (SA).
