SOUTH AFRICA-BASED Zimbabwean jazz singer, guitarist and songwriter Norman Masamba has acknowledged Victor Kunonga and late musicians Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi, Chiwoniso Maraire and Bob Nyabinde for shaping his music and character.
Masamba, better known as Samasamba told NewsDay Life & Style that working with these musicians before he embarked on a solo career enlightened him in a big way.
“One common thing I learnt from these legends was how being original and having a good character can open doors which skills or money alone cannot open. Therefore, staying true to who I am will always be my goal,” Samasamba said.
Samasamba also noted that his decision to begin a solo career was the best choice he has ever made. Although it was difficult and uncomfortable, it was necessary to come up with his own unique sound.
“Embarking on a solo music career is the most difficult and uncomfortable part for any serious musician. I have been able to play my original music and seeing people from different backgrounds appreciating my work makes me believe in myself,” he said.
But being original locally, is a great challenge when one is just starting music because people usually expect a musician to play something they are familiar with, especially at live performances, he came to realise.
“Falling for that trap would make a musician struggle to make the same people cheering up someone else's sound to then believe in their authentic work. Being original and sticking to my home sound and language has always been the magic for my performances abroad. It made me stand out and people appreciate how proud I am being Zimbabwean regardless of the negative narrative the world has for us as a nation,” Samasamba said.
He also noted that maintaining good relationships with musicians who he parted ways with was crucial because the music industry is a small world and musicians always meet or work together again directly or indirectly at some point.
- Authentic work, good character opens doors: Masamba
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Samasamba emphasised that the Zimbabwean jazz scene has a lot of great talent, but requires a push by creating diverse performance platforms and more airplay, among other things.
Samasamba began his music career in 2007 working with the country’s late legends like Mtukudzi, Nyabinde and Maraire before launching his solo career in 2015. In South Africa, Samasamba had the privilege to work with such musicians as Judith Sephuma, Bekezela and Mkhululi Bhebhe.
His discography includes Tumirai, Kunorima, Vekwako and Chakutenderedza.
