Following a four-year sabbatical, Chimurenga fusion artiste-cum-mbira player Nelson Tswatswa has released his fifth album — a 12-track effort titled Swerengoma.
BY PRECIOUS CHIDA
He is backed by his Rainbow band.
Tswatswa told NewsDay that the sabbatical was a result of financial constraints before he was rescued by a “good Samaritan”.
“I had to starve my fans for four years, not by choice, but it was a result of financial challenges and I could not release another album on time. It was after a lawyer, Pardon Chakanyuka, came to my rescue as he sponsored this latest album,” Tswatswa said.
“With the effort put on this album, I am confident that it will win the hearts of many Chimurenga music fans, and also charm some promoters to give me the platform to stage live concerts.”
He said the title of the album, which carries tracks such as Rhudiya, Moyo Wako, Kupa KwaMwari and Sabhuku, rode largely on themes of love and culture.
The Glen View-based mbira player said he had not been able to make videos for his songs due to financial constraints.
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His previous albums are Dai, Pamushika-Shika, Sango and Dande Mutande.
Having been inspired by mbira legends Ephat Mujuru and Pio Farai Macheka, Tswatswa started playing mbira at a tender age while still in primary school.
He has played with the Run Family band, Zimbabwe Clear Sounds band and Group B, before setting up his own band.
Tswatswa said he has been performing in Harare, Mutare and Rusape, where he commands a strong fan base.
