DIFFICULTIES DRIVE ME: MAZURUSE
PRODUCER and multi-instrumentalist Forward Mazuruse says his tough upbringing inspires him to give back to the community.
In a wide-ranging interview, Mazuruse said he was ready to assist less privileged members of the society, especially in Hopley Farm and its environs.
“All the difficulties I faced in arts are now a dedication; I now dedicate it to giving back to the community by empowering the underprivileged.
“I got inspired to build this beautiful house here in Hopley to prove to the world that, only God gifted minds like artistes must start things, then the rest follow.
“Look, here, all Jamaicans use their ghetto video clips for their international music videos. That is why I am here to tap the raw talent from Hopley and Masvingo.
“That is why I am putting more effort on my Hopley house, I am targeting to make even the minister to finally come to Hopley, and Masvingo, Zaka witnessing an arts and culture nurturing home that culminated from Revival Studios, a recording studio that assists vulnerable artistes,” he said.
Mazuruse said he was dreaming of turning the centre into a world class nursery of talent.
“It must be a world class studio from an African high-density and rural communities, the world must come down here soon, it must not be a makeshift studio, we have many kids who are into drugs here because they are lying idle doing nothing because of the Covid-19 lockdown.
Mazuruse said he was also inspired by the late businessman Genius “Ginimbi” Kadungure who empowered his own people.
“If you look at the late Genius Kadungure, he became a hero by building a mansion in his rural Domboshava home, all global expensive cars were parked or are still parked there, so that is why I am donating this to Music For Development Foundation.
“Here I am, also staying in rural Hopley and there is a lot of indecency taking place. So we are also planning to put a shelter for children to learn.
“I will probably leave my house to accommodate the centre. I am looking forward to taking the program nationwide to all underprivileged individuals.
“My musical background was difficult because I came in with no one to help me, but I don’t want the upcoming stars to face the struggles that I faced.
“I started music in my uncle’s bedroom in Warren Park.
“I appreciate him so much because he gave me a place when I needed it most. So my story should inspire a lot of children. I learnt to play a guitar at 22. Norman Tapambwa taught me the basics of playing a guitar.
“I want to first release my music so that people know it. The few people who have come across my music appreciate it so much,” he said.
Mazuruse also said he hails the power of music which has taken him to places.
“I’ve been to Tanzania and I released a song in Swahili and it trended.
“So I would want to be a co-producer or consultant and through my experience I know I can help a lot of individuals through the centres, I will help a lot of children establish themselves.
“When I compose I don’t consider boundaries and boarders. My music should be listened to in Zimbabwe, Mozambique or Senegal.
“Talking of investments, I think one should have a house first. It will save one from embarrassments like having your property thrown outside when you can no longer pay rent.
“Musical instruments can help you run a business. So I believe one should have a basic kit that will be run under a company with its own managers if possible.
“There is more money in having instruments because as a musician you face difficulties which the world will never understand be it marital or whatever.
“That can take away a musician’s inspiration.
“Right now, I can only help from the charity point of view, for instance I am working with children for free. Sometimes you can have a mutual understanding with someone and just work for free.
“Like me, during my early days I would just work and be happy that I was in the studio,” he said.
He urged artistes to think outside the box and create new synergies.
“Artistes should now create online content like creating YouTube content. Artistes should also look beyond music industry for instance farming.
“As artistes, we can even lobby Government to avail pieces of land and those who have the capacity should consider industries like mining.
“These stands in Hopley we got them after former minister Webster Shamu was engaged by the board of the then Zimbabwe Union of Musicians which is now defunct after most of its founding members passed away.
“There is a standing committee which was set to make sure there is continuity and there is another union which is led by the likes of Edith Weutonga,” he said.
Mazuruse said he was not deterred by his background.
“I grew up in Ndanga, Zaka. I discovered my music talent when I would hear music from the radio and would feel I have the capacity to produce music.
“For instance my song Nzombe Huru, I composed it before I was in grade one. I remember when I was in school I had the ability to distinguish the good music from the bad.
“My first job in music was to put posters in Harare gardens after being assigned by Fungisai’s manager.
“I managed to play for her and even went on tours with her. I later went on to produce songs at her studios, finally we travelled to Europe.
“There is a standing committee which was set to make sure there is continuity and I was appointed to be the technical advisor,” he said.
Mazuruse urged musicians to unite.
“Many musicians need to be represented and hence it is vital to have many unions.
“I think there is power in unity though as musicians its difficult for us to be in one accord. Together we can work for the betterment of each other.
“Competition for fans might be the root cause for divisions but uniting for a common cause will work wonders.
“There are a lot of business ideas which can work for our benefit as we have witnessed in the past. The union can be vibrant with numbers. It will be easy to probe the Government or entities that will be willing to help musicians engage unions. So I urge all musicians to be part of the union.
“I’m a guitarist, producer, composer . . . I am an academic, at the moment I’m enrolled at MSU,” he added.