Tell us a bit about yourself?
I grew up in a family of 9 children – 2 boys and 7 girls. The spirit of sharing was very important as was working hard because we had to look after each other together. Fortunately, I am the last born who is very well educated by the way!. I have been doing a lot of fine art and music studies. Besides music, I have been doing fashion designing and fine art specializing in textiles.
Did you formally study music?
Yah! I spent TWO years studying Ethnomusicology (“the study of social and cultural aspects of music and dance in local and global contexts.”) at the Zimbabwe College of Music.
Favourite music & movies?
Thats a tricky question, especially nowadays is fashionable to say I listen to everything as long as it’s well done. Growing up, in high school, everyone liked TOK, Whitney Houston. I also love that type of music by Salif Keita normally called World Music and Yvonne Chaka Chaka. I have always had a soft spot for that type of music which is probably why I was studying Ethnomusicology for the past two years; I think it’s just a rich area. I loved Lord of the Rings! I loved the picture quality, I loved Cold Mountain, I love dramas also, and the Matrix funny enough!
Ethnomusicology?
Oh it’s just a very complicated sounding name but it’s really nothing! Its musicology in a cultural context so you don’t just study the music but you study the culture behind it. Yeah, and its usually non Western music.
Favorite Zimbabwean/ international fine artists?
To be honest I have been quite out of touch in that area. Chiko Chazunguza inspired me as a student. I am a bit biased because this guy was also my lecturer, but I have always thought he was very deep, and his work is very colourful in a very unusual way. I have always loved his prints which have always kind of stood out even up to now.
Latest book you’ve read or are reading?
I read too many books at the same time, I love short story compilations which are easier to read and don’t take too much of my time. I used to love big volumes but don’t have the time now. I am currently reading a compilation of short stories called Hatchings.
Describe your average day
I wake up to go to the College of Music, where I teach.
You teach at the College of Music?I actually do vocal coaching most mornings. Mondays and Wednesdays I go to Gateway High School to coach Marimba. Every other day I am doing something that has to do with my music. Either I am studying at the college, rehearsing or at a show.
I know you don’t want to dwell on the fine arts but where exactly are you, any exhibitions?
I have never done an exhibition in the fine arts. When I finished my fine art (Diploma) I started concentrating on fashion designing so I have been doing a lot of work but I have never exhibited. I wouldn’t want to call it a hobby because I take it very seriously so I just compile the stuff and keep it – a form of stress release I guess.
You did a fashion show in 2008 at HIFA (Harare International Festival of the Arts), who did you do it with and how did that go?
I featured in my capacity as a musician and provided the music for that show. It was more of a forum where people came to discuss issues in the country’s fashion designing industry etc.
Read Part 2 – Hope The Musician | Part 3 – Thoughts on Zimbabwe
