By Style Reporter
South Africa-based Zimbabwean Afro-jazz musician Darlington “Mhofela” Tanganyika has penned a song focusing on the preventive measures against the novel coronavirus.
Mhofela, who has been providing back-up support for local musicians performing in South Africa, is among a number of artistes around the globe who continue to amplify the awareness against Covid-19.
The song is titled Coronavirus and is trending on online platforms, including YouTube.
“This is a contribution from me as an artiste towards Covid-19,” Mhofela said.
“The pandemic is wreaking havoc across the world, and as artistes we cannot sit on our laurels, we should join and raise awareness.”
Mhofela, although he is not known much in his home country, has contributed much to the growth of Zimbabwean music in South Africa.
He has modernised the traditional beat, fusing it with a modern flavour including the acoustic guitar.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“I have always maintained the Zimbabwean beat in my music, although I have to blend the beat with the acoustic guitar, which is distinct in my music,” Mhofela said.
The Chiweshe-born singer early this month released a single titled Muteyi Weshiri, which is a precursor to his forthcoming album, a project on which he will feature a number of artistes, Zimbabweans and South Africans.
“I am open to collaborations with any artiste. On the forthcoming album I am likely to feature Jah Lemmy and Guruve Marimba Arts Ensemble, Zee Guveya and The Heritage Survival, Pamela ‘Gonyeti’ Zulu [formerly Jah Prayzah backing vocalist], as well as Bhekimpilo ‘Mr Breeze’ Siziba,” he said.
“I was also approached by South African musician Zahara’s management for a possible collaboration. It’s something that is brewing behind this scenes.”
The artiste whose music is inspired by the voyage of trials and tribulations in his life, has three albums Rwendo, Mhaiyo and Nhiyo as well as a singles Kwandakabva Kure Nenhamo (dancehall), Tapinda Tapinda, Matitorera (a dedication to the late Oliver Mtukudzi), Muteyi Weshiri, Munamato and recently Coronavirus.
Tanganyika said because of his Korekore roots, his music sounds more like that of Mtukudzi whose distinctive raspy voice was powered by his Korekore twang.
Mhofela, who is supported by giant stationery retailer, Rank Wholesalers, is backed by a star-studded outfit, The Journey Band, which comprises the likes of Malvin Sarutawa, Nicholas Musonza, Isaac Sande, Simon Meki, Tinashe Masiya, Monica Chitongo and Isabella Nkawu, among others.
Former Alick Macheso drummer Obert Gomba sometimes assists the group.
Mhofela has shared the stage with the Mtukudzi, Thomas Mapfumo, Macheso, Jah Prayzah, Soul Brothers, Freddy Gwala, Willom Tight, Dino Mudondo, as well as Andy Muridzo, among others.
