His grand entry into the showbiz world on April 15 last year was supported by Zimbabwe’s “big five” musicians — Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi, Alick Macheso, Winky D, Jah Prayzah and Sulumani Chimbetu — but next month contemporary musician Sam Dondo launches his second album on his own as he manoeuvres his way through to the global stage.
By Staff Reporter
Dondo launched his debut project — a nine-track album titled Dyaramunamato — at Alexandra Sports Club in Harare at a show that was well-attended, attracting thousands of fans across generations. Sungura musician, Peter Moyo and Lady “Eriza” Storm put up top-notch performances complementing the energetic separate performances by the big five at the launch that also unleashed Dondo’s band, the Impala Subway Crooners, a group blended with youth and experience.
However, this year it’s a different story as Dondo fights a lone battle on March 23 when he launches his second album titled Game Changer at Meikles Hotel.
“It’s a different approach and I am a different Sam Dondo from the one who launched the album last year surrounded by big names in the music industry. The game has changed,” Dondo told The Standard Style.
“We have changed the way of doing things as Impala Subway Crooners, but I want to tell you we have matured and ready to shake the world.”
Dondo said he was taking a step up the ladder by pushing his music beyond the borders.
“I have set my eyes on the global stage. I am doing videos, targeting regional and international television channels like Trace Africa, Zambezi Magic and Channel O. I have also lined up a number of international tours and I want to sell my music on global platforms,” said the 31-year-old crooner.
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Dondo said his forthcoming album, which went through a shrewd production team of Munya Vialy, Oskid and Keith Ferguson, was a masterpiece which would claim its own place among the country’s best.
“We upped our game on this one although we maintained the traditional beat. However, you will realise that it has that feel I like calling the Sam Dondo beat. There are two reggae tracks, which are a tribute to reggae lovers,” he said.
Dondo is a regular performer at upmarket clubs in Harare and has a slot on Thursday at Time and Jazz Café while he frequents clubs such as Bar Rouge, Lar Rouge where he commands a huge following. However, the gangly crooner said he had not given his back to the ghetto.
“I am a ghetto boy and I will not forget my folks. I have lined up a number of shows across the country’s ghettos alongside Gari Tight in a tour dubbed The Local Ghetto Tour. I identify myself with life in the ghetto and these shows will reconnect me with colleagues in the ghetto,” he said.
