The name Alfred Nenguwo may not ring a bell among many in the country’s music arena, but the Afro-jazz artist’s beautifully blended sound and eloquent lyrics are surely irresistible to the ear. By Kennedy Nyavaya
Despite venturing into music in 2008, the crooner only shot to fame six years later, when his debut six-track album, Tirikwedu bagged best newcomer award at the Zimbabwe Music Awards (Zima).
In an interview with The Standard Style on Friday, Nenguwo retraced his footsteps as he narrated his music journey from the time he was at school to the time he became a stand-alone composer.
“I started doing music professionally in 2008 and I am into music full-time because I discovered that music was in me since high school days doing choir works and composing gospel pieces,” he said.
“Although I still write gospel songs, I do not perform them, but give other young gospel artists to perform.”
Born in Uzumba in Mashonaland East province 26 years ago, the Mbare-bred artist attributed his proficiency in composing music to a fusion of different genres which he tactically chooses in relation to the lyrics.
“I do not have a specific genre but I blend elements of Afro-jazz, rock, passada, kizomba, township music and other genres of substance to create my music, depending on the song and topic,” he said.
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Most of Nenguwo’s songs revolve around the message of love, which the rising crooner believes is the centre of all things in existence.
“I believe that love is the foundation of everything in life, so the reason why most of my tracks are love songs is because of life experiences, both good and bad times, what I see daily in the community,” he said.
Like the Garamuberevere singer, Prince Musarurwa — who is also his close friend — the artist is set for a brighter future as he boasts of a unique Afro-jazz fusion, which decimates the divide between rural and urban sounds.
In essence, the two “buddies” have so much in common, including a mammoth ambition to one day become the masters of local music.
“Prince and I are buddies, it is not just about the music and we are doing a show entitled Nasahwira Wangu, which is also a picture of our friendship in life and in music circles,” said Nenguwo, who also plays the mbira like his friend.
“We talk on a day-to-day basis so we have a vision and are on a mission to be the future greats of Zimbabwean music.”
Nenguwo has released an album under the project Malimbah that he did with Millicent Muchati, a production which was nominated three times at the 2014 Zima, before he scooped the best newcomer gong a year later.
Last year, he performed the International Conference on Aids and STIs in Africa theme song alongside Mokoomba, which he described as, “a dream come true for me being on the same stage with big artists like Mokoomba.”
Like many artists treading in unpopular genres, the crooner bemoaned lack of airplay on radio despite submitting his music.
“We have not taken videos to broadcasters, but radio airplay has been a hustle so I am not satisfied they play our music here and there, but on social media the support is amazing,” said the musician.
Backed by his band, The Reign, he is set to release his second album titled Khanyi (Ndau word for rural home) in July, which he says will rekindle his waning appeal as well as widen the fan base.
“To everyone who supports my music, let me just say it is the beginning of more great music years to come and to all those who had forgotten about me, it is time to dig in the archives and play Alfred music because I am here to stay.”
