Pfumojena signs to US firm

UNITED KINGDOM-BASED Zimbabwean multi-talented artist John Pfumojena (pictured) was signed by Shani Gonzales and Ayla Owen, with a specific focus on scoring for film, television and theatre via Warner Chappell Music’s newly-created bespoke score and neoclassical initiative.

Warner Chappell Music Inc, a subsidiary of the Warner Music Group, is an American music publishing company.

Popularly known as John Falsetto in the showbiz, Pfumojena, a composer, actor, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, will star as Mr Snow in Carousel at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre this summer.

He is also composing and arranging Meet My Ancestors, a theatrical production and album telling stories from Zimbabwean culture through ancient mbira music fused with contemporary sounds.

In an interview with NewsDay Life & Style, Pfumojena said time and age were not a measure of progress, achievement or success.

“It feels exciting as a next phase in my music career, all this came to fruition during the length of COVID-19-induced lockdowns.

“I am always excited watching the talent in Zimbabwe which certainly deserves a global platform,” he said.

“Gonzales as the managing director of Warner Chappell Music, United Kingdom head of Global Artists and Repertoire and Owen as president of Sync & Creative Services Europe for Warner Chappell Music have been the most patient and equally excited people that I have met during this phase.

“Not only do they have such enthusiasm for the mbiras, but an outlook to the possibilities.

“I am more than privileged to have met and been in conversation with them over the past year and l look forward to this journey.”

Pfumojena encouraged rising artists and those who want to venture into the showbiz industry to be focused and tolerant.

“To all the young and upand-coming talent, I say pick your race and stick to it through the storm and through the sunshine.

“It will mature your art,” he said.