Piroro: Most sought after bassist pays visit

By Tendai Sauta | Jan. 12, 2023 | 2 Min read

Enock Piroro

CANADA-BASED Zimbabwean, Enock Piroro, a bassist, composer, arranger music producer and director who has over the years worked and shared the stage with various celebrated artistes like Salif Keita, Richard Bona, the late Hugh Masekela, Ringo Starr, Kinobe, the late Dorothy Masuka, Shingisai Suluma, Pastor G, Dudu Manhenga, Victor Kunonga, Prudence Katomeni and the late Oliver Mtukudzi (Tuku), among an almost endless list, — came back to Zimbabwe for the Christmas holidays and was given a colourful reception by friends and family.

For nearly three days social media was full of welcome solidarity statements.

Piroro told NewsDay Life & Style that he got into the limelight when he was recruited as the bassist and music director for Oliver Mtukudzi, a position he held until he relocated to Canada in 2017. During his tenure Piroro recorded a number of music album projects with Tuku including duet and collaboration songs with the likes of Masekela and Keita.

Piroro believes the arts play a vital role in employment creation and, therefore, youths should make serious efforts to be part of the recently launched National Music Strategy. Piroro said he brought several lessons back home and has great expectations for the year 2023 as he explores several new things.

“My advice to established and up and coming artists is that continue to innovate in order to stay relevant on the market,” he said.

“Stop procrastination and take action now. Things cannot just come on a silver platter; you have to work for it: More hard work and consistency.”

Piroro continued: “The Creative Industry in Canada is quite broad and gives artists a wide range of opportunities in the arts industry. It is quite big and wide with so many music festivals, film festivals, art gallery exhibitions, music concerts and so many opportunities. There are lots of activities, especially in summer. There is also a lot of support from the government, arts organisations and the corporate world at large.”

In terms of his musical life after a resounding successful career with the late great Tuku, Piroro said he is still seriously pursuing music and has continued to work closely with his former workmates at the Black Spirits.