BY WINSTONE ANTONIO
THE Covid-19 pandemic may have been devastating, but rising sungura artiste and Vakiridzo Express band front man Willard “Willo” Munemo has been utilising the virus induced lockdown to compose music and perfecting his forthcoming singles.
In an interview with Standard Style, the former Mark Ngwazi backing vocalist and dancer, said he will be dropping some singles.
“The Covid-19 pandemic is devastating and has made it difficult for us as artistes to go through our daily routines. Although it is such a difficult time, I have been busy composing more music which I will be releasing as the year goes,” he said.
“In this Covid-19 environment, I urge people to be vigilant and follow gazetted measures to save the lives. I urge my fellow artistes and a nation at large to get vaccinated to create a safe showbiz environment.”
The Chivhu-bred singer, said his compositions are inspired by societal issues that shape ubuntu/hunhu, basically inspired by the social experiences that people go through in their day-to-day lives.
“I started music when I was at Gandami Secondary School in Chivhu. I got inspiration from the sungura godfather Nicholas ‘Madzibaba’ Zakaria, whom I also consider as my mentor,” he said.
Willo said working with Ngwazi opened his mind in terms of song writing and how to take the right path in the competitive showbiz industry.
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“When I decided to turn professional, I wanted to work with someone who had travelled the musical path before such that I would be able to learn a lot of musical and life lessons that could help to shape my career,” he said.
Willo said he was not competiting with anyone, but only wanted to fulfil his dream in music.
“The journey of an up-and-coming artiste is not that easy as there are a lot of challenges faced to sustain the band. I pray for financial support from well-wishers so that I can be able to buy my own instruments, to make it easy for rehearsal as studio fees are a challenge,” he said.
Willo bemoaned the effects of piracy and was hopeful that government would continue to look into the issue seriously.
“Stiffer penalties should be given to those caught promoting piracy, which robs us of the opportunity to earn a better living as artistes,” he said.
“Those who want copies of my music can directly contact me since I am self-marketing the album. We are working towards releasing the video for the song Chikumbiro so that fans can enjoy our music in the comfort of their homes.”
Willo has so far released a five-track album titled Chikumbiro recorded at Truetone Studio in Harare.
The title track and Ndezvemeso are receiving massive airplay on local radio stations.
Other songs on the album are Chikuru Rudo, Chimwe Nechimwe and Kugarisana.
