The Sunday Mail
Society Reporters
As the nation bids farewell to the year 2021, artistes reflected on a year they would want to quickly forget.
Alick Macheso
“Musicians mostly survive on live shows. With the coronavirus among us, it was very difficult for us this year. We, however, thank God that we somehow managed to sail through. We had some well-wishers who came to our rescue.”
Romeo Gasa
“2021 is a year that I would want to forget. I am currently rebuilding my band after a number of senior members left to do other things. We struggled to even feed our families. I will be back on my feet next year.”
Mark Ngwazi
“This was a bad year for me and my band. During the lockdown, we released the album ‘Chamugwegwedu’, which performed badly due to poor marketing. We didn’t have the money to market the album since we were not performing live shows. I am praying for better fortunes in 2022.”
Mbeu (Afro-fusion artiste)
“We were forced to adapt and our Plan B was corporate gigs, digital shows as well virtual performances for individuals who booked private gigs for occasions like birthdays and other family gatherings.
“On a positive note, the lockdown gave me time to focus and refine my latest eight-track album ‘Manera’. The album features Jamaica’s Glen Washington and Jah Prayzah.”
Gemma Griffiths
“The coronavirus-induced lockdowns, to some extent, worked to my advantage. I had time to travel across the continent in my Land Rover, recording my music and seeing places.
“I also shot and released a documentary titled ‘A girl from Harare’ and also two singles, ‘Kwale’ and ‘Maita Basa Baba’. Kwale is a place that I visited in Kenya and the two singles are part of the ‘Matenga Gudo’ riddim she did with Chillspot.
Tammy Moyo
“2021 was a fruitful year as I dropped my second album ‘Bvudzi Jena.’ I am happy with the generous airplay that this album is getting across almost all radio stations.”
Andrew Manyika
(Comedian and Poet)
“Despite the challenges that were brought about by the coronavirus, I ended the year on a high. In October, I attended the Tanta International Poetry Festival which was held in Egypt.
“Performing in Egypt was a huge relief and gave me hope for the future. Next year is a promising year as we have a lot in store for our fans.”
Vee Mhofu and the Dziva Re Mbira Afro Mix Band (born Virimayi Nhedega)
“During the lockdown, we managed to record our 12-track album ‘Izwi Re Mvura.’ We also shot the video for the track ‘Mucheka We Retso’. We also engaged our fans on social media.”
