The Sunday Mail
AFRO-FUSION musician Alexio Kawara has for close to five years been promising new material that has, however, not seen the light of day thus far. Evidence of fresh compositions was provided during live performances but no one has ever had the opportunity to sample some of the yet to be released music from the musician’s studio.And this has led many to conclude the artiste is struggling to come up with fresh compositions that match the standards set by his monster hit “Shaina” that was released a couple of years ago.
But indications are the Alexio is now “genuinely” ready to unleash fresh music on the market.
I received an invitation from the award-winning Afro-fusion singer to listen to his set that is for release at his Harmony Studios in Harare.
The 37-year-old “Zvaazvinhu” and “Nehana” singles-maker exclusively sampled six new songs, which included “Hatidzoreke”, “Chakaipa”, “Vabodzi”, “Haranga” and “I don’t Keya” which features prolific guitarist Clive Mono Mkundu.
However, Alexio who has five albums under his belt – “Usazondisiya” (2001), “Rwiyorwangu” (2003), “Pfimbiyangu” (2005), “Kana” (2008) and “Tose” (2011) – said he intended to release the songs as singles and not as an album like has been the case in the past.
The Glen Norah-based singer argues that releasing singles gives each of the songs a fair chance to be a hit as compared to compiling them on an album.
“I am releasing singles now because my aim is for every song that I have created to have equal opportunities to be heard. I feel most songs I have done did not get to be heard even though they were good enough to be hit songs. Besides it’s the global way of doing business,” said Kawara.
In my modest view, the musical arrangement, vocal clarity, diversity and fusion of genres that exists in the fresh songs display Alexio’s growth as both a singer and song writer.
In “Vabodzi” (Korekore for “one people”), which was produced by seasoned producer Jairos Hambahamba at Hit Squad Studios in Harare, the former Mazoe and Vainona student stresses the significance of unity among people as well as the need to acknowledge and respect the differences in our opinions on matters of common interest.
A collaboration with Rockford Josphats aka Roki of the “Chidzoka” fame, titled “Chakaipa”, is a dance song with a Jiti feel that talks about local sound going international.
For party lovers, this is definitely a song you should look forward to as the two gifted musicians joined forces to create a distinctive blend of musical odyssey.
Just like his hit song “Shaina”, “Hatidzoreke” is a highly inspirational song with a profound message to encourage people to soldier on in face of difficult times.
Alexio is also in the process of shooting videos to some of the songs.
Moses Matanda, a Film Arts Production graduate at York University in Toronto, Canada, who is directing Kawara’s new videos, said the state-of-the-art equipment being used was a definite guarantee for quality.
“Most videos in Zimbabwe are shot on 4k resolution, but on this video (Hatidzoreke), we are upping the game to 6k resolution. It is the new international standard and we will be focusing on shots that define Alexio’s character,” said Matanda.
The Honde Valley-born video director, film-maker and actor described Kawara as a humble person who was determined to produce the best.
“Alexio is as cool as his music, easy and down to earth yet very talented. He is very open to new and innovative ideas and his music has a message. Doing this video is like partnering him in doing a purposeful task,” he said.
