Entertainment / Music
Kunonga releases fourth album, Kwedu
18 Dec 2014 at 01:34hrs | Views
AFRO-JAZZ singer Victor Kunonga has released his fourth album titled Kwedu.
Launched on Tuesday at Alliance Française in Harare, the 12-track album is dedicated to the late duo of Chiwoniso Maraire and Adam Chisvo, who were both Kunonga's long-time friends.
South African legend Hugh Masekela graced the event as the guest of honour.
"I have dedicated this album to Chiwoniso Maraire and Adam Chisvo as my mentors who are among the greatest influences in my music career," Kunonga said.
"This album is like a piece of art where I was allowed to express my ideas in the best way possible. I think this project best describes who I am."
Masekela said it was wonderful that Kunonga was expressing Africanism through music.
"If there are more groups like this one [Peace Band], when people come to visit Africa they will be able to find us and not only Victoria Falls because we will be visible," Masekela said.
"So it is incumbent upon all of us to really try and bring back the visibility of our heritage into our lives and Victor tonight has shown that it is possible."
Speaking to NewsDay on the sidelines of the launch, Kunonga's manager Walter Wanyanya said he was confident that the album would be well received by fans as they had used the instruments they are known for.
"The album is a marked improvement from the previous ones and depicts maturity and ingenuity of Kunonga's lyrical prowess," Wanyanya said.
Tracks on the album are Kubuda Ura/Murume Murume, Tinotenda, Wagadzirira, Kushanda, Cheuka, Kure Kwatabva, Kumagobo, Ruzevha, Mhofu, Kwedu, Ruvengo and Ikhothab Eyikhothayo.
During the launch, Kunonga and Peace Band put up an electrifying performance with the audience singing along and dancing non-stop to his powerful rhythms as he belted tracks on the new album.
The musician also showed his mbira and ngoma playing skills during the set.
Kunonga released his debut album Such is Life – Ndanyengetedzwa in 2004, Uyo in 2006 and Handinete, a 2010 production.
Besides being a musician, Kunonga is also a painter, fashion and graphic designer
Launched on Tuesday at Alliance Française in Harare, the 12-track album is dedicated to the late duo of Chiwoniso Maraire and Adam Chisvo, who were both Kunonga's long-time friends.
South African legend Hugh Masekela graced the event as the guest of honour.
"I have dedicated this album to Chiwoniso Maraire and Adam Chisvo as my mentors who are among the greatest influences in my music career," Kunonga said.
"This album is like a piece of art where I was allowed to express my ideas in the best way possible. I think this project best describes who I am."
Masekela said it was wonderful that Kunonga was expressing Africanism through music.
"If there are more groups like this one [Peace Band], when people come to visit Africa they will be able to find us and not only Victoria Falls because we will be visible," Masekela said.
Speaking to NewsDay on the sidelines of the launch, Kunonga's manager Walter Wanyanya said he was confident that the album would be well received by fans as they had used the instruments they are known for.
"The album is a marked improvement from the previous ones and depicts maturity and ingenuity of Kunonga's lyrical prowess," Wanyanya said.
Tracks on the album are Kubuda Ura/Murume Murume, Tinotenda, Wagadzirira, Kushanda, Cheuka, Kure Kwatabva, Kumagobo, Ruzevha, Mhofu, Kwedu, Ruvengo and Ikhothab Eyikhothayo.
During the launch, Kunonga and Peace Band put up an electrifying performance with the audience singing along and dancing non-stop to his powerful rhythms as he belted tracks on the new album.
The musician also showed his mbira and ngoma playing skills during the set.
Kunonga released his debut album Such is Life – Ndanyengetedzwa in 2004, Uyo in 2006 and Handinete, a 2010 production.
Besides being a musician, Kunonga is also a painter, fashion and graphic designer
Source - NewsDay
