Multilingualism shapes Samende’s musical career

TALENTED guitarist and a member of internationally acclaimed Mokoomba band, Trust Samende (37) says being multilingual has helped in shaping his musical career.

Speaking on Sublime Studios Africa’s YouTube channel, Samende, who has spread wings to music production, said he spoke four languages fluently and understood more dialects.

“I have been producing a lot of music at my studio situated in the central business district of Harare. I listen to a lot of music and try to add a new twist to Zimbabwean music for the new generation,” he said.

“Through international tours, I have been exposed to different musical styles and when I am creating music, I come to add all those influences,” adding that his wellfurnished studio was open for both up-and-coming and established musicians.

Apart from playing for Mokoomba, the Victoria Falls-born Samende has performed as a session musician for several artistes across genres.

He is also involved in an online session known as House of Kulture, formerly House of Groove where he performed alongside Rockford “Roki” Josephat, Allan Chimbetu, Josephat Somanje and retired musician Matthew “Mateo” Kaunda.

“Music does not die. It just needs to be given that thing to enhance it to make sense to the new generation.

“We give it ‘a new life’,” he said. Before becoming the artiste he is today, Samende started as a keyboard player and today he is among the top celebrated guitarists.

His guitar strumming is characterised by fast movements up and down the fretboard which is not usual for most guitarists.

Samende said although COVID-19 had choked the showbiz industry, it brought with it a new way of doing things in music.

“As Mokoomba we have been around Africa and Europe except for 2020 and 2021 when we have been stuck at home as festivals were cancelled abroad due to the COVID-19 outbreak,” he said.

“It was really tough for us and most musicians, but on the other hand there was so much to be thankful for.

“We are healthy, we have more time to think, create, meditate, and be inspired.”

He said they were working on a new album.

“It is hard to get time to create music when we are touring. We are happy with the progress of our forthcoming album which I believe people are going to like as well,” he said.