Kunonga’s upbringing bears fruits in music industry
AFRO-JAZZ musician Victor Kunonga has revealed that his rural upbringing in Wedza and Bulawayo has played an immense role in the composition of his song.
Kunonga made the remarks while speaking to NewsDay Life & Style on Tuesday at Sherwood Golf Club in Mabelreign on the sidelines of a Press conference ahead of the launch of his forthcoming 12-track album titled Induna tomorrow.
Having launched his professional musical career in 2004, with his debut release Such is Life: Ndanyengetedzwa, the forthcoming album will be his seventh studio production.
“I was very fortunate to be brought up in a rural set up where I got exposure to various aspects of African practices such as bira ceremonies which has helped me to stay close to my roots and has influenced my music composition. I cannot run away from what I am and who I am and that reflects through my music and personal conduct,” he said.
Kunonga said the roots of his forthcoming album was entrenched in Africa and the traditional set up he grew up in.
“The album title Induna means chief and the title track portrays the indomitable spirit of the people of Africa bearing the present with strength, courage, humour and looking to the future with hope and confidence,” he said.
Kunonga continued: “When I fused languages, I was not trying to accommodate everyone in my music. I grew up in these communities so it comes naturally to me. So, when I compose a song and I feel like it should be presented in a certain language, so be it. It is a feeling, not a decision.”
Songs on the forthcoming album that is a fusion of Shona and Ndebele languages include Hushamwari, Parudo, Zuva a duet with songbird Marry Anibal and Chiedza, among other tracks.
To date, apart from his rich discography, Kunonga has collaborated and performed alongside the late acclaimed artistes including Oliver Mtukudzi, South African trumpeter, flugelhornist Hugh Masekela and Steve Dyer.