Congolese star now more Zimbabwean

Congolese rhumba musician Pitshou Lumiere says he now feels more Zimbabwean than Congolese after spending more than 20 years living and performing in Zimbabwe.

The Diamond Musica frontman credited Zimbabweans for their hospitality and support, saying the country has become his second home and played a major role in his musical journey.

"I am now more Zimbabwean than Congolese because I have not only integrated with the locals but I am now part of their systems," Pitshou said.

"I have settled here for more than 20 years, and I am glad that wherever I go, I receive the highest level of hospitality.

"My general conduct has earned their respect for whatever I am doing here."

Pitshou recently travelled to his hometown of Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he promoted his latest singles, Pete Pete and Motema, the latter featuring Zimbabwean musician Jah Signal.

Despite being in Congo, he said he remained busy fielding calls from Zimbabwean promoters seeking to book Diamond Musica for performances.

"Of course, I managed to promote my two singles, 'Pete Pete' and 'Motema' featuring Jah Signal.

"But, I was always receiving calls from Zimbabwean promoters who wanted us for shows here in Harare."

Pitshou described himself as an ambassador of Congolese rhumba in Zimbabwe and said he regularly encourages fellow musicians from the region to respect local communities and adhere to Zimbabwean laws.

"I have the bragging rights at the moment to say that I am the Congolese rhumba ambassador in Harare because I always educate my peers to respect locals and operate within the confines of Zimbabwean laws," he said.

"My call has been taken seriously by most of the groups currently performing rhumba in Zimbabwe."

The musician recently performed at the 60th birthday celebrations of former First Lady Grace Mugabe, an experience he described as a career highlight.

"To be honest, being invited to perform at prestigious events has always been the dream of every artist and such opportunities rarely come.

"It gives us wings to fly and showcase what we are capable of."

Pitshou said rhumba music continues to enjoy a loyal following despite challenges facing musicians in the genre.

"Rhumba is big business, and the genre still commands a huge following," he said.

He also emphasised the importance of collaboration, pointing to his previous projects with Zimbabwean artists including Suluman Chimbetu, Jah Signal and Queen Daisy.

"I know that we may be lamenting numerous challenges as rhumba musicians but the truth that needs to be told is that we can do better by collaborating with others," he said.

"I have shown my peers the way after collaborations with Suluman, Jah Signal, and now Queen Daisy, which was quite refreshing to say the least."

Looking ahead, Pitshou said he is working on several new projects, including a collaboration with Congolese artist Papa Indje on a track titled Juwa Yako.

He said fans can also expect more live performances before the end of the year.

"I can't complain because a lot of good things are on their way," he said.

"I have also lined up a series of shows before the year ends, and fans can expect something they have never seen before."

Having built a successful career in Zimbabwe over the past two decades, Pitshou says the country has given him opportunities, support and a sense of belonging that continue to inspire his music and artistic growth.