AFRO-FUSION singer Lovemore “Lovezh” Nherudzo has a motivating musical journey to tell that can inspire many. His love for music saw him frequenting Dendera ace, Sulumani Chimbetu’s shows and became so popular that Sulu would, at times, invite him on stage.
The Rusape-bred Lovezh’s passion for music continued to grow and in 2017 he decided to form his Brave Stars band, signalling the launch of his professional musical career.
Lovezh went on to release his debut album Farai Nesu that same year to mark the beginning of a career that has seen him release seven albums to date, accompanied by a string of hits.
His latest project is a seven-track album titled Chiranga Mapenzi. Songs on the latest album, laden with social commentary were composed by Lovezh, mixed, and mastered by Oscar Chamba and produced by former Sulu’s manager Knowledge “Nodza” Nkoma at his KOM studios in Harare.
NewsDay Weekender caught up with Lovezh, who shared his journey to date in this cut-throat industry.
Discovery for music passion
I discovered my passion for music in 2016 when I was touring around with Dendera singer Sulumani Chimbetu and his Orchestra Dendera Kings.
During those days, he used to invite me on stage and ask me to sing, especially his song Kwedu, which featured the late music superstar Oliver Mtukudzi.
- From a Dendera fan to a band leader
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Sound
My sound is Afro-fusion, which fuses rhumba and sungura. My music is all about social commentary and I attribute the prowess to compose these social themed songs to God.
Strength in music
My strength is on vocals and strumming a guitar (rhythm guitar).
Main message in songs
Through the songs, I seek to teach, preach as well as share ideas on different social themes such as marriage and love so that people learn something as they enjoy the music.
New album and brief message of some songs
My latest album is titled Chiranga Mapenzi. Songs on the album are Moyo Unerudo, Rudo Chete, Manyemwe, Wakakomborerwa, Ndikakushaya Ndomerera, Wepamoyo and Kane Mari.
In the song Rudo Chete the wife complains to the husband that all she wants is love, not material things, as she can be married to a poor man, as long as she gets the attention and love she wants.
The song Manyemwe talks about how some people want to live an exaggerated lavish lifestyle and showing off after getting some few dollars, but sadly fail to invest and squander the money.
The main message on the song Wepamoyo is that of a loving husband appreciating how much he loves his wife and does not want to lose her. The song Ndikakushaya Ndomerera is also talking of a man valuing and appreciating his wife saying she is everything that he wants in his life.
The song Wakakomborerwa talks of how those who are fortunate in life can afford to enjoy life eating what they want and also driving any type of car they wish because they are blessed in life.
Collaborations
I have come to realise that collaborations unite artistes, so as a result I have done some collaborations with artistes across genres among them Mark Ngwazi, Jean Masters, dancehall singer Shinsoman, rhumba musician Madiz, Wanai Ndudzo and Somandla Ndebele.
Dream collabo
For now, it will be none other than Dendera singer Sulumani Chimbetu whom I draw inspiration from.
Discography
I have seven albums under my sleeve namely: Farai Nesu (2017), Chikuru Kufema (2018), Wenyama Ngaafare and Mwari Mupenyu (all 2019), Giant Wanyanya (2020), Bhaureni 2021 and latest Chiranga Mapenzi (2023).
Challenges
Yes, there might be challenges here and there in this music industry, but at the moment I have not encountered what I can describe as a big problem. I am patient enough to take it one step at a time and I know God is in control of my career.
Admiration
As a singer, I enjoy live shows and when I am writing songs. I enjoy most that time when I will be thinking of writing something that really touches the hearts and the souls of the people.
Imagination for the sector
If I had the power to make a change in our arts industry, I would seek to have policies that influence more corporates to come on board to support this billion-dollar industry as well as come up with rules and regulations that protect artistes and the sector at large.
Admired musicians
Democratic Republic of Congo rhumba star Werrason and local Dendera singer Sulumani Chimbetu.
Music taste
I listen to rhumba music and locally I am a Dendera fan so I listen to much of Dendera music.
Off the stage
I am into shopfitting and I am the sales manager, but I really have a passion for music which to me is like a hobby during my spare time.
In terms of balancing work and music, I do much of my music after working hours and mostly on weekends, so I have a flexible working environment to combine the two professions.
Relaxation
I spend most of my time at the workshop with the technical team busy designing windows and aluminum doors.
Word of advice
My advice to aspiring musicians is that listen to fans since they are our paymasters. Don’t be upset with the negative comments that you might receive, one just has to work hard so that one day people will recognise their effort.
