The Sunday Mail
THE song “Makorokoto” catapulted Dino Mudondo to stardom at the turn of the new millennium.
A string of follow-up hits led to glory for several more years before the shining star disappeared from the sky. Despite conquering the music industry at some point, the talented artiste has endured lengthy periods in the shadows.
Now he wants to make a comeback.
Mudondo recently finished recording three reggae singles – “Mufaro”, “Regai Dziveshiri” and “Mwanangu” – which are set for release at the end of May; and he is working on an album titled “The Real Me, Dino Mudondo I am Reggae” for an August launch.
Besides his solo efforts, the talented vocalist has also been rehearsing with one of the oldest reggae outfits in the country, Transit Crew, with the intention of joining forces with the band.
Transit Crew recently suffered a heavy blow after the death of bassist Munya Nyemba and have recruited another instrumentalist to fill the void.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail Leisure last week, Transit Crew’s publicist Tawonga Mafundikwa shared details of the impending union with Dino.
“Dino expressed an interest in joining the band and came to us pointing out that he could add value to the band. As a band, we have an open policy and do not push people away if they come to us with ideas so we warmed up to the idea and he has been rehearsing with the band for about a month now,” said Mafundikwa.
Mudondo is not new to collaborating with other artistes as seen by his successful combos with Willom Tight. Transit Crew already has a talented lead singer in Mannex and the addition of Dino could create something explosive.
“From what I have seen at the rehearsals, I think he is creating quite a solid combination with our lead vocalist Mannex and pretty soon Dino could be a huge feature in our future shows.
“Dino has his own unique style and that merged with what Mannex does, I think we are going to have quite a vibrant combination, which will bring a fresh sound to our music,” Mafundikwa said.
He added that Transit Crew has a mandate to promote local talent as seen by several vocalists who have passed through its ranks on their way to launching solo careers.
“Transit Crew is an institution and will always be there even if musicians come and go so you will realise that the band has been more of a grooming ground for youngsters and when they feel like it’s time to move on, we don’t get in their way.
“For example, we have Mannex who at one point went away to pursue other things but then decided to come back to the band again. For as long as Transit is there, whoever wants to come and join the band is welcome and when they feel that maybe it is time to move on the door will always be open for them.”
Despite all the strides the band has made in getting back on track after their terrible loss, the members are still devastated by the tragedy.
“It has been a very difficult time for everyone involved because as you know Munya was an integral part of the band, being a founding member and all, so it has been really tough for the group.
“As far as I am concerned, Munya is irreplaceable but we have since recruited a new bassist, a young guy, Allan Chigwedere and I think it’s still early for us to determine if the new guy can get to the level of the late veteran but as you know, artistes are different so it would not be fair for us to try and compare the two,” said Mafundikwa.
Dino confirmed working with Transit Crew but refused to divulge more details.
“I have been rehearsing with Transit Crew four days a week and our first show will be on Saturday (yesterday) at The New Ambassador Hotel where we will be commemorating the late Bob Marley and great Transit Crew frontman Munya Nyemba.
“As for my being part of Transit Crew, please get in touch with my boss Fred Zindi or Tawonga Mufundikwa,” said Dino.
On May 28, Transit Crew will be blazing reggae hits at Miombo Magic Music Festival taking place in Christon Bank, Mazowe.
