‘I’LL PUT GWANDA ON WORLD MAP’

GREETING H-Metro readers and music lovers in general.

I have been waiting for this opportunity to share with you my life story as an artiste plying his trade in the small mining town of Gwanda.

Many in music circles know me as Master Zhoe, a name that is now familiar in Gwanda and its environs.

My vision is to conquer Zimbabwe and then the world. For this and other stuff, read on…

BRIEF PROFILE

My birth name is Thembinkosi Zhou.

I was born in a family of nine, three girls and six boys in which I am the fourth child.

Born and bred in Mberengwa, Midlands, I went to Nyororo Primary School and later transferred to Mutsime Primary School.

Afterwards, I did my secondary education at four schools — Chovuragu, Guruva, Buvubwe and Masase secondary schools.

I used to play traditional drums during primary school and one time during a competition I outdid myself and everyone even the judges could not help, but lift me up and praise me even before I finished the presentation. As an artiste, I would like to put Gwanda on the world map.

CALLING

My passion for music started when I was only eight-years-old.

Then, I used to make sounds and beats with cans and sing along.

I then grouped up with a few friends and we started singing, but due to lack of someone to groom us and help us grow our brand, we stopped and changed avenues.

I ventured into different businesses, but the calling for music never went away, so I started recording my first song in 2017.

Afterwards, I released my debut album in the same year in collaboration with Zhezhingtons, but later decided to go solo and I have had five albums from then to date.

INSPIRATION

As an artiste, I was largely inspired by sungura godfather Nicholas Zakaria from an early age and even today.

There are however, other artistes like sungura virtuoso Alick Macheso, Winky D, Jah Prayzah and XQ and a lot more even from around the globe still inspire me.

I also get my motivation from my kids as they usually join me in the studio to cheer me on when I record.

As an artiste, I play drums and the rhythm guitar and I am self-taught.

CHALLENGES

Like any other artiste, I also have some challenges affecting my growth.

My biggest challenge is to get recognition outside my province.

As most people might not know, Gwanda is a semi-rural place so I am not really exposed much.

In short, I need exposure to ensure that I build my fan base and spread my wings.

LOVE LIFE

Regarding my love life, it’s a bit complicated.

I am single, but blessed with two kids, a boy and a girl.

Currently, I am not seeing anyone and I am comfortable with that.

As a single father, I feel

I owe my kids a lot, hence self-control is a part of me.

I make sure I play, but responsibly.

DISCOGRAPHY

As a recording artiste, I have five albums to my credit.

I recorded my debut album titled The Margin in 2017 with 15 tracks.

Afterwards, I recorded my second album in 2018 titled Imagination carrying 12 tracks. In 2019, I recorded my third album titled Ngingene which carries 12 tracks.

Early year, I released another album titled Heavy Piano with 10 tracks. Towards the end of 2020, I released another 10-track album called Gwenyambira. last

HAPPIEST MOMENT

Like any other person, I have my best moments in life.

The day I vividly remember was when I held my son in my hands.

I was thoroughly elated holding the boy and I was over the moon because God blessed me with a son, an heir to the Zhou people.

EMBARRASSING MOMENT

When I fell at church and my crush helped me up.

It was so embarrassing to say the least.

COVID-19 FIGHT

With the world reeling from the novel coronavirus, I have been playing my part in promoting awareness on the disease.

I give out free branded masks around my area to make sure people protect themselves from Covid-19.

Like death, Covid-19 did not give us notice. We do not have means of getting rid of it as yet but we can protect ourselves from it by adhering to the measures put in place by our medical experts.

Yet again if we put our trust in the Lord our God we will not need to understand or know when it will end but be encouraged that God is with us.

LIFE IN GWANDA

Life in Gwanda is quite challenging.

The reason why it is challenging is because it’s a small town.

However, life is too fast here since it is a mining town and therefore needs a streetwise person.

I can also say Gwanda is the most peaceful place I have ever lived, the crime rate is not bad.

HIDDEN TALENT

Besides music, I am also a talented soccer player.

I started playing soccer at an early age though I doubt I can play it professionally now.

I am also good on the steering wheel, I like car racing and drifting hence I am in the process of registering my car drifting association that will be up and running very soon.

SPECIAL THANKS

On a parting shot, I would like to thank my producer, my managers and my mentor Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria

I would also like to thank my fans, sponsors, pastors and the media for promoting my work.

Thank You!

NB: Celebrities or celebrities’ managers intending to contribute on this column and share their stories, contact our Entertainment Desk on 0774119633 (calls/sms) or WhatsApp (0719119633) or email trust. khosa@zimpapers .co.zw