The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
CONTEMPORARY Afro-jazz musician, Lionel Matanda, fondly known as Caff, has set his sights on giving the kiss of life to his music career through professionalising his brand, engaging renowned producers as well as improving on his consistency.
Caff, who got onto the limelight with plug tracks Perfect To Me and Manager, has bounced back with a bang and has been holding a series of live performances in a bid to reconnect with his fans on the local turf.
As a way of diversifying, the Dangamvura-born musician has collaborated with established artistes such as Silent Killer, Pumacol and T-Jones.
His latest track, Why Not featuring Silent Killer, is having rave reviews across various radio stations, while the danceable new track, Wangele, features prominently on club DJs’ playlists.
His other recent compositions include Don’t Force which features Nodza, Mabude featuring Sean Boy and Help Me Lord which features T-Jones.
Last week on Saturday, Caff lit up the sleepy Hauna Growth Point in Honde Valley, Mutasa District, with an epic performance.
Tens of people who gathered at the growth point danced to some of his popular songs such as Wangele, Manager and Perfect To Me.
He has also improved his stage performance through roping in male and female dancers.
Caff has also improved his brand by roping in an experienced management team that run logistics for him as he seeks to become professional.
He said despite establishing his own studio, Tellem Records in Dangamvura, he believes engaging established producers will help improve his music.
“I am loving the new trajectory. I believe I am heading towards the right direction, judging by the response and constructive criticism that I have been receiving. We have realised that this brand is bigger than we thought and we are now working tirelessly to have a professional touch that will see us reaching stardom.
“I have been working with renowned producers such as Oskid and Maselo on my recent compositions to improve my music and I am happy that it has worked magic.
“New and old fans are loving the new music, although I feel that I need to step a gear up and proffessionalise my brand through a permanent live band and vibrant marketing systems, among other things. I have been doing live shows across Manicaland and the response has been overwhelming,” he said.
He is on the verge of releasing tracks such as Gwejaweh and Wendimba next month.
Lionel “Caff” Matanda
