BY KIMBERLY KARIATI
UNITED STATES-BASED Zimbabwean Afro-jazz artiste Jeremiah Nzou says his music is unique, and a true African sound that captured the hearts of many abroad.
In an interview with NewsDay Life & Style, Nzou said his experiences in Africa and the United States had perfected his sound.
“I was born in Zimbabwe, bred in Zambia and I am now in the United States. Musically I have learnt a lot from all the three countries from the day I started doing music as a full-time career in 2017 in a friend’s studio in Lusaka,” he said.
“I have explored fusions between different music genres and I have grown. I have learnt so much about the music industry and how to promote myself especially with online resources.”
Nzou said he worked with a number of artistes while he was still in the country.
“I compose my own music, though I work with other artistes. When I am composing and feel the need of a certain instrument, I find a person who plays it and have them come and record with me. I must say this has helped me create a perfect sound for my songs,” he said.
Nzou said it has been a tough and amazing experience in a foreign land.
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“Afro-jazz is far less common here than in Africa, I get to bring a new sound everywhere I perform. I have realised that when people do hear me play, they stop and listen for a while. They are curious about the music and it has been great,” he said.
“My radio plays have been my biggest success so far. I have been able to profit and gain followers due to this, and it has been a big honour.
“I have been able to have radio plays and profit from those, I have also managed to secure myself streaming services and booked many gigs in different settings.”
Nzou said he was eyeing collaborations with local artistes in the near future.
“I would love to get some more songs produced and I need my people from back home for that authentic sound. Though I have had a great experience in the music industry, it is difficult to penetrate,” he said.
“It is already an overcrowded industry with a sound like I have. You have to find the right ears and right places.”
His ultimate goal is to have his songs as movie soundtracks.
Part of his discography include Mayo, A Love Song, Freedom and Tuku The Great — a tribute to the late music legend Oliver Mtukudzi.
- Follow Kimberly on twitter @lizellekimkari
