Upcoming Gweru artist stirs waves

Standard People
At Grade 3 his teacher at Sandara Primary School in Gweru discovered he had a unique voice.

By Stephen Chadenga

At Grade 3 his teacher at Sandara Primary School in Gweru discovered he had a unique voice.

She initiated him into the school choir and he led the group at that level.

Today 20-year-old Tinomuunga Sydleck Chimalizeni, known by stage name, Latitude, is a force to reckon in the Midlands Province.

The reggae and Afro-pop musician has seen his songs receiving constant airplay on local radio stations.

He has collaborated with Harare artists such as Munaz, Malbon and Steers and their music gems speak volumes of talent.

Yet as one music critic once said, great artists often die unknown because nobody cared to discover them.

This is the story of Latitude, known and loved in the Midlands and appreciated by colleagues in the capital city, but yet to attain the celebrity tag.

But all hope is not lost as Latitude believes music is a journey and the passion for it counts more than monetary gains.

“I do music because I love it,” Latitude told Standardstyle in an interview.

“I was in the studio for the first time doing Grade 6 and recorded my first gospel song, Satan Ajaira. Later my teachers at Ascot High School in Gweru identified my talent and hosted numerous shows at school where I performed.”

In 2017, a year after high school, Latitude recorded his first album, Daira.

According to him, Daira is about compelling people to listen to his music.

The nine track album, which carries tracks such as Bondera, Samatenga, Amai and Zvipo has out him on the music map as it is frequently played on YaFM, a Zvishavane radio station and 98.4FM based in Gweru.

What followed was a singles collection titled Usangochema pregnant with reggae and afro-pop infused gems.

“Currently, I am working on my next album, Sarudzo and the revolving theme on this title is that men should make informed decisions when they get into marriage,” he said.

An innovator, Latitude has not been left in the wave of new social media platforms as his music videos have a huge fan base on YouTube.

To show his music prowess the artist is a regular invitee to perform at Gweru entertainment joints such as Club Excite, The Barn and others in Kwekwe.

Assisted by his father, Latitude has also set up state of the art studio at the backyard of their house in Mtapa high-density suburb where he has helped artists not only from the Midlands bust also Harare produce music.

“I was born and bred in the city of progress and I work hard and will never lose hope in this musical destiny, which I have rich passion,” summed up Latitude.