ELIAS MAGINYA IN GWERU
GWERU born and bred artist, Tawanda Mukoko who represented Zimbabwe at African Music Calabash workshop held in South Africa says he is honoured to be recognised at such an international stage.
The event which took place at the University of KwaZulu Natal has cultural exchange in music as its core business. Furthermore, by tradition, South Africa annually celebrates youths in the month of June, hence entities hold such events.
The event running under the theme “Africa Youth Unite” took place from June 11 to 14.
Samkoko, as he is affectionately known by his fans, was among the 12 participants who represented their countries from the SADC region. Now plying his trade from the capital city dating back to 2016, the mbira player-cum-vocalist also pursued studies in music and holds a diploma in Musicology.
“It was great honour to be representing my country doing what I love most,” Samkoko said. “I am really happy that I shared knowledge with students and music gurus who include doctors and professors from the region.”
Just like Erica Azim, one of the first Americans to study mbira in Zimbabwe and offered lectures internationally, Samkoko revealed that many approached him asking for lessons. He obliged and he has since started conducting lectures online.
“I never thought that mbira would draw much attention during and after the workshop, a lot of people are eager to learn the instrument and I have since started giving online lessons”
Samkoko leads Band Caritate, an Afro-fusion team, with two albums to his name and his recent project is a single track featuring Sue titled Ndakaka.
