PROLIFIC sungura musician, Mukoma Panga, believes success in the trade is only possible through collaboration.
Born Panganai Harare more than 50 years ago in Rusape, the top lawyer and musician says Zimbabwe has a lot to learn from South Africa and Nigeria, where collaborations have become an in-thing.
In his case, Mukoma Panga has done a lot to change the narrative through collaborations with both top and emerging artistes.
Early this week, he dropped a single titled Tadiwanashe featuring Chipoko ChaSaurao and sungura artiste of the moment, Mark Ngwazi.
He engaged the services of two veteran producers — Bothwell Nyamhondera and Jabulani Ndlovu — in his quest for excellence.
Mukoma Panga, who entered the music scene as a hobby, said he was ready to redefine sungura.
“I believe in innovation and not doing the obvious,” he said.
“Of course, I sing sungura, but I don’t want to be obvious and predictable. I want to go full circle and work with artistes from other genres like gospel, jazz, rhumba, mbira and even house.
“So far I have engaged artistes from rhumba, gospel and jazz in my collaborations which are doing very well.”
Mukoma Panga, who started off as a music promoter back in the day in Bulawayo, does not regret being called a recording artiste.
“To be honest, mine is a dream that has come true since I started this as a hobby. I was persuaded by producers to release my music and now the move is paying off,” he indicated.
“I am now eyeing top accolades having been twice nominated for the Zimbabwe Music Awards and National Arts Merit Awards. I believe my time will come and I am just patient.”
Besides releasing this track, he has other hits such as Panganayi, Chibhakera, Uri Wangu 2020 and Mai Mwana, off his 2019 debut album Mbuva Yehwiza.
Mukoma Panga said he was open to criticism in his quest to grow his career.
“Unlike other musicians who go mad when given advice, I welcome criticism. Accepting criticism is the best remedy in every sector. I am also willing to reinvent the wheel which is why you see me fusing sungura with other genres like Zimdancehall, gospel and contemporary rhumba,” he added.