UPCOMING Chimurenga musician Jairos Chabvonga and his Ngorimba Afro Fusion Band, who has joined the band wagon of musicians trying to fill in the gap left by Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo, is proving to be a force to reckon with on the local showbiz.
OWN CORRESPONDENT
Barely two months after his arrival on the music scene with the release of his debut eight-track album Nevanji, the Chitungwiza-bred musician has already shared the stage with rising contemporary musician Jah Prayzah and Progress Chipfumo, a feat that normally takes ages for upcoming musicians to attain.
Chabvonga and his band have performed at different popular joints in the capital.
He was accorded his first slot to curtain-raise for Jah Prayzah at Airport Lounge last month where he went on to deliver a polished act that surprised many who did not know him.
Last week he put up another sterling performance at Jah Prayzah’s surprise belated birthday party that was held in the capital at Dandaro Inn, Showground.
In an interview with NewsDay, Chabvonga applauded the support he was getting from renowned musicians and promoters who are giving him the platform to showcase his talent.
“It is every upcoming artiste’s desire to the share stage with veteran artistes in the industry and I have been yearning for such a chance to play alongside artistes like Jah Prayzah and Progress Chipfumo,” Chabvonga said.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“I know as a new kid on the block, I have a lot to learn from seasoned musicians and I will be engaging them as it exposes me to the bigger crowds that follow them helping me to improve live performances.”
A promoter and owner of a popular joint in the capital described Chabvonga as a force to reckon with on the showbiz.
“In Chabvonga, I see the return of pure Chimurenga music. His performance at our joint proved that he has the potential to scale dizzy heights in the local music industry,” he said.
“He has to maintain the tempo. Otherwise given the support, he can easily replace Thomas Mapfumo and become one of the most formidable artistes.”
Chabvonga’s album, recorded at Revival Studios in the capital, is laden with social and commentary message and chimurenga beat as he fused traditional instruments like mbira and drums.
Tracks that make up the album are KuZimbabwe, Dongo, Botso, Maidei, Donhodzo, Magumo Enyika, Mombe Yehumai and Vatenda Masoja.
The new outfit is composed of some veteran artistes like the lead guitarist Pesuade Chidodo who is a former Andy Brown and Fungisai Zvakavapano Mashavave guitarist, Victor Gwavava on the keyboards and bassist Eddison December, who once played for Sandra Ndebele and Beater Mangethe.
On the drums is Prince Mutongi who used to play for Mannex and Charles Charamba and former Tryson Chimbetu’s backing vocalists Vincent Chinhoyi is also part of the band.
