However, this is likely to change with the birth of Yamurai Support Group from Harare’s Dzivarasekwa Extension, which is preparing to storm Zimbabwe’s music scene with a new album. Rebecca Chule, the group’s chairperson said their debut seven-track album would be ready by month-end.
“Currently we have five songs and we are working on the last two tracks. We are very positive that by end of April the album will be out,” she said.
Chule is one of the pioneers of the group, which she joined in 2009 and they have been using music to fight stigma and discrimination.
She said initially HIV-positive people were very shy to join but membership had since risen to 36.
“Some people who are not HIV-positive are even willing to join us,” Chule said.
“We can safely say we enjoy support from across the social divide and the release of our album will be a major breakthrough.”
Before venturing into music, the group was into gardening and mushroom growing. The projects are still running to supplement the group’s income. An upcoming musician, Anderson Mamimine, is assisting the group with vocals as well as writing songs.
“The group is devoted and since I started working with them they have shown commitment as they always follow instructions,” Mamimine said.
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“I believe the group will reach greater heights if they continue with their team spirit. Since we started all the members have been attending practising sessions except on occasions when they fall ill.”
The group has recorded songs such as Shout, which talks about challenges faced by HIV-positive people, Thank You, Child Abuse and Yesterday, highlighting the impact of climate change.
