Dawn of a new era for Masekesa

18 Dec, 2020 - 11:12 0 Views
Dawn of a new era for Masekesa Masekesa

The ManicaPost

Liberty Dube Entertainment Correspondent

MUTARE has given birth to a new wordsmith, Clayton Masekesa, whose social commentary and artistic prowess has captured the hearts of music critics across the country after officially releasing a new single, “Simba Rekurarama”.

The song, which is a prayer to God that gives Zimbabweans hope for survival especially during this Covid-19 pandemic period reminds many of Leonard Zhakata’s yesteryear hits such as “Gomba Remarara” and “Chido Ndinacho”.

Masekesa who leads The Eastern Stars Band said: “It is a privilege breaking into the mainstream music industry with a bang like this. I am inspired by the support and constructive criticism that I am getting from fans. The single has just opened avenues of musical success for me. Alick Macheso, Leonard Zhakata and Hosiah Chipanga have been so inspirational to me. They have weaned me into a social commentator whose music touches hearts of many.” 

His tour in Mozambique this December is being promoted by Africa Magic Promotions.

“It is so encouraging to be recognised by promoters who appreciate your work and l want to promise my fans both in Zimbabwe and Mozambique to brace for a nice musical time where we are geared to parade the best from us,” he said.

“Morale in the band is high and we feel elated to perform on international grounds where we will raise the Zimbabwean musical flag high,” added Masekesa.

“As a band, we only sing Ebenezer; thus far the Lord has taken us. This is all because of you my fans.

The song has already captured the imaginations of many fans through some meaningful lyrics and intricate guitars that have reminded of ZORA music king Leonard Zhakata’s old tunes that made him an instant hit.

“The Covid-19 plague has come with a lot of challenges in communities. This is a song for all Zimbabweans to stand strong and have faith and hope in God. I have started working on a complete album which will feature several musicians,” he added.

He started singing at school during soccer matches and a teacher, a Tsinakwadi discovered his talent.

“I was a brilliant soccer player. So after winning the match l would lead the celebratory songs and that is when  Tsinakwadi from Rujeko Primary School in Rusape discovered my singing talent,” he said.

“He then invited me into the school choir and that is when it all started,” Masekesa explained.

Around  2000, Masekesa became Chipanga’s manager.

“That is when l learnt a lot of music. Hosiah Chipanga is a great man. I learnt a lot from him,” he said.

Masekesa then became very close friends with Thomas Makion who was Zhakata’s nephew.

“Makion was a very close friend and it meant that Zhakata became a brother to me and l did not miss their shows. We became a team and what followed was a great friendship up to now,” he said.

Masekesa was taught playing the bass guitar by Christopher Siziba from the Dangamvura-based Zimbabwe Clear Sounds.

“He was my mentor and highly experienced guitarist who played with the likes of Paul Matavire of Jairos Jiri Band. I will never forget this man.”

“Lameck Mutero is my side man and he is showing me the direction. There is my producer, Ollin Anderson, he has mastered the type of my music,” Masekesa said.

Masekesa released his debut album “The Main Actor” — in 2018 that featured  plug tracks Olinda and Pondai.

He has also released singles, Gusha Bhora and Manica Diamonds, dedicated to Mutare’s top soccer teams, Mutare City Rovers FC and Manica Diamonds FC.

“Now that Tenax FC is now in the top-flight league, l am already working on a single dedicated to the team called Tenax Chauya Chikara,” he added.

Masekesa will take his band to neighbouring Mozambique to the country’s principal entertainment spots — Club Discoteca — in Chimoio on Christmas Eve in an enticing musical fête that will feature other musicians from Mozambique that include Kid France among others.

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