CELEBRATED poet Chirikure Chirikure and Zimbabwe Human Rights Association director Okay Machisa have combined their voices for an 11-track music album titled Musoro which will be launched on June 29, at The Volt Night Club in Harare.
BY WINSTONE ANTONIO
This is not the first time for the pair to join forces, having previously worked together on musical productions, with the likes of the late Chiwoniso Maraire, which saw them tour Europe.
The album recorded under the name Machena Music, is a rich mix of traditional Zimbabwean beat such as mhande, jiti, shangara, mandandanda and jazz. It showcases the other side of Chirikure — a writer of several works of literature — and Machisa’s passion as a human rights defender.
The prowess exhibited in the lyrical composition and the use of diverse instruments such as mbira, percussion and guitar makes the album a mouth-watering collection of local musical heritage.
Songs on the album that was produced by accomplished producer, Clive “Mono” Mukundu, are the title track Musoro, Mhanda, Mwana Wekuwana, Masango, Hondo, Nyuchi, Chirimo, Zvaora, Chipo, Rwizi and Shohwari.
Machisa told The Standard Style that the album was driven by the desire to revive ethnic music and providing social commentary relevant to music enthusiasts.
“Our message on our forthcoming album Musoro is centred on the development of our ethnicity as we seek to promote ethnic music. We are saying, while we play contemporary music, let’s not forget our ethnic music,” Machisa said.
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“In this album, there is also social commentary as we touch on the development of our country.”
He said with their combined effort with the renowned poet, he was confident that the album will appeal to a wide audience across generations.
Chirikure said working with the band (Machena) and recording at Mono’s studio, was a wonderful opportunity to cement relationships he has developed over the years.
“Our skills, vision and passion complement each other remarkably on this album which showcases contemporary Zimbabwean music with solid roots in our traditional music,” he said.
“We fused mbira, guitar and percussion in a way that pays homage to our culture, but also celebrating our current ways of expressing ourselves through music. The songs range from modernised folk pieces to social commentary oriented fresh compositions.”
Chirikure said it was their hope that the songs will not only give listeners opportunities to dance and enjoy, but also dig deeper and engage in dialogue about the past, present and future.
Acclaimed novelist Aaron Chiundura Moyo will be the guest of honour at the album launch that will also be graced by artists, among them mbira queen Hope Masike and Gary Tight.
The launch will also be spiced up by the unveiling of two musical videos from the new offering.
