United States-based Afro Jazz musician, Kudakwashe Besa, popularly known as Cee Jay Besa, has turned to gospel music through his new album Songs of Praise. REPORT BY TINASHE SIBANDA
Popularly known for his Afro-Jazz music, Besa has come up with the new eight-track gospel CD where he collaborated with other artistes such as Pastor G, Enos Deve, Tony G and Q Montana, among other talents.
The album was produced by the talented Nyasha Makambira, who was recently named the Africa Music Awards Producer of the Year in Canada.
“This CD is a special message to the nation to say that no matter who you are or what you may have done in your past you can still be a powerful individual through Christ who strengthens people despite people’s judgement on your life,” said Besa.
The offering has inspirational tracks such as Sudurukai, which encourages Christians to take their stand in whatever situation through faith, Miracle Working God, a praise song acknowledging what God does in people’s lives and Vhangeri, a song influenced by his mentor, Oliver Mtukudzi, which talks about conquering challenges.
Besa last visited Zimbabwe in 2010 when he had come to promote the Ndangariro World Cup album. He said he would soon be collaborating with more local artistes, including Sani Makhalima, Nox Guni and Clive Mukundu.
“Zimbabwe’s arts industry lacks investment and back up from the government. Government support is essential in making the industry grow. In other countries funds are invested down to school level in the arts,” he said.
Besa added that the poor growth of the local industry could not be blamed on the corporate world but it was important to realize that the country did not have big music companies like the internationally acclaimed Sony and BMG amongst others.
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Besa who is also into trucking and finance, said in the US he mainly performs during summer tours where many bands are promoted in over 50days of touring the country and also at regular gigs featuring Zimbabwean artists.
“I have been living in the US for over 10 years and I am looking into investing in Zimbabwe. One day I want to come back home for good as things are certainly improving and it’s time to invest in the country,” he said.
