By Style Reporter
South Africa-based Zimbabwean Afro-jazz musician Darlington “Mhofela” Tanganyika says lack of promoters in Zimbabwe is deterring his breakthrough in the cut-throat music industry.
Mhofela, who recently penned a single where he pays tribute to the late music superstar Oliver Mtukudzi, said his music would remain marginalised in his home country due to lack of promoters.
“I would be happy if promoters come on board and assist us to do shows in Zimbabwe. Our music will not be known at home because we don’t have the resources to do shows there,” Mhofela said from his base in Johannesburg.
With three albums — Rwendo, Mhaiyo and Nhiyo — as well as singles Kwandakabva Kure Nenhamo, Tapinda Tapinda and Matitorera — a tribute to Tuku —Mhofela last week released a precursor gospel single titled Munamato.
Thereafter, he will finalise work on his forthcoming album titled Here.
“It’s going to be an eight-track album with songs such as the title track, Nyamukuta, Achimwene and Mhodzi YeMuonde, among others,” he said.
The Afro-jazz musician seems to be reconnecting with other Zimbabwean musicians in South Africa. Recently he featured on Zenzo Bhekimpilo Siziba, aka Mr Breeeze’s album titled Ngicela Uxolo.
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“I feature on four tracks on Mr Breeze’s eight-track album. The songs where I feature are Ngicela Uxolo, All Night, Uzungikhumbule and Wedding Day. Uzungikhumbule is a track that features people of divergent cultures, including a Congolese artiste,” Mhofela said.
Meanwhile, fusing the acoustic guitar rhythm with melodic synths, Mhofela is proving to the world that he could have been cut from the same cloth as Tuku.
“I might not have gone through Pakare Paye Arts Centre, but my music revolves around the acoustic guitar. Many people here have likened me to Mudhara Tuku and I don’t hide that… Tuku inspired me so much,” he said.
Mhofela said because of his Korekore roots, his music sounds more like that of the late music superstar. Tuku had that distinctive raspy voice powered by his Korekore twang.
The artiste said this year he would raise the bar to earn recognition in the cut-throat arts industry where he has for the past four years operated under shadows of other musicians.
“I am working on a number of projects in order to improve visibility in the industry. I want to make my music reach every household in Africa and I want to be known globally,” he said.
