THE bass prodigy and undoubtedly one of the finest afro-jazz exports Zimbabwe has to offer, Josh Meck, has confirmed signing a contract with new manager Tafadzwa Hananda, a well-known local actor.
By Ropafadzo mapimhidze
Affectionately known as Tafi Hanes, Hananda has left a mark in the theatre industry having scooped a 2014 National Arts Merit Awards honour for outstanding theatre actor with a list of top notch acting appearances in several productions since 2011.
He has also performed in leading acting roles in South Africa, Malawi and Germany.
Having worked in the administration for one of the country’s biggest arts organisations — Savanna Trust — for over three years, Hananda joins the music industry to show one of his many strengths that includes arts management.
“I did my tertiary studies at the University of Zimbabwe and have been growing in every sphere of performance skills as well as administrative strengths over the years, through various collaborations that I have had the opportunity of being part of the world over,” Hananda said.
“I met Josh in Malawi in 2013 and have been keeping track of his work since then. When I was in Germany on tour this year, we managed to chat and when he was head-hunting for a manager, I pitched and he liked how I had envisaged us working together. We share the same professionalism and an obsession for results.”
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Hananda noted how important it was for the new breed of artistes to value and package their work if they were to reach global standards. He said upcoming artistes should wear many hats in an industry that’s not so favourable for entertainers.
“I like breaking stereotypes,” he said.
With several shows under their belt since their sold-out show at Harare International Festival of the Arts 2015, the duo is ready to build a fan base for afro-jazz.
“We are happy to have the support of key people who have become Team Josh Meck and have made our vision possible,” Meck noted.
Meck could not be drawn into confirming whether or not he hadfinally left his South Africa base to become a locally based musician.
