FORMER Chimurenga guru Thomas Mapfumo’s courier Jairos Chabvonga believes the sky is the limit for him in his pursuit to try and fill the void left by Mapfumo who went into self-exile in the early 2000s.
BY WINSTONE ANTONIO
The Mapfumo-inspired musician is proving to be a force to reckon with on the local showbiz scene. He has shared the stage with several renowned musicians and has performed at different popular joints in the Harare.
Chabvonga last week released his second six-track album titled Chimurenga High Way — a fusion of traditional instruments like mbira and drums.
On the album to be launched on May 27 at Dandaro Inn, Harare Show Grounds, Chabvonga featured his longtime friend and popular rasta-kwasa musician Dino Mudondo.
Speaking to NewsDay, the Ngorimba Afro-fusion front man said he was confident his latest offering would do well on the market. “As upcoming artistes, I am happy that our first project did well, receiving fair air play on some local radio stations. With the feedback from our fans, we have brought a well-polished album,” Chabvonga said.
“On the first album we used a single mbira and on this latest project we have perfected out act. We have three mbiras and a brass instrument”.
Chabvonga, who signalled his entry on the local showbiz scene with the release of his debut album Nevanji, said he would soon embark on a massive album promotion to be held in all parts of the country.
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“I know it is a challenging task to try and fit in Mukanya’s shoes in this bid to revive the dying Chimurenga genre, but I believe the sky is the limit and with God’s grace I know I will make it,” Chabvonga said.
“I compose my music I seek to revive memories and encourage Zimbabweans to foster the values of the liberation struggle as Chimurenga music played an instrumental role in rallying freedom fighters to take up arms against the oppressive while colonial rule.”
Songs on the album that was recorded and produced by Clive “Mono” Mukundu at his Monolio Studios are Kure Kwemeso, Hutadzi, Pamusoro Pegomo, Rombe, Vamwe Zvavo which feature Mudondo and Rairo.
Chabvonga said his dream was either to share the stage or collaborate with Mapfumo in future.
He said he was pleased with the support he was getting from both musicians and promoters.
