The Sunday Mail
Andrew Moyo
There is a feel-good buzz energising local music, and it all has to do with production of videos that compete well internationally.
While some artistes have enlisted the services of foreign producers and directors, Zimbabwe’s own funk masters are showing that they too can do the business.
Andy Sobhuza, aka Andy Cutta, has become one of the go-to guys when it comes to making captivating music videos.
Last year, he was the shining star at the Zimbabwe Music Awards with three videos he directed – Roki and XQ’s “Alleluya”, Janet Manyowa’s “Ndomira Pamuri” and Candy Main’s “When I am in Love” – nominated for Best Music Video. (“Alleluya” bagged the award).
Besides a Zima, he has bagged a Permican for Best Video, a Zim Hip-Hop Award for Best Video and a Nama for Outstanding Music Video.
Andy Cutta has worked with artistes across all genres, producing videos for the likes of Cindy, Takura, Killer T, Minister Mahendere, Mudiwa, MMT, Trey XL and Stunner among others.
Speaking to The Sunday Mail Leisure, the video director said he had been exposed to various cultures while growing, staying in different parts of Zimbabwe and appreciating the beauty of our differences and similarities. Born in Bulawayo, the producer moved to Harare at an early age where he attended Moffatt Primary School and Vainona High School before moving to Specis College where he pursued IT studies.
“I have had the opportunity to live in various parts of the country because I moved back and forth between Bulawayo and Harare, and many other parts of the country.
“I am currently studying Computer Science at MSU, which is in the Midlands, so my understanding of various cultural aspects have helped me a lot when it comes to creating concepts for my videos.”
Andy Cutta said while he had pictured himself being a businessman of some sort, he realised his true calling later on in life — filmmaking.
“When I was growing up I visualised myself pursuing numerous careers including running my own transport company but that was not to be, which is why I ended up where I am today. My real profession is in the IT field but my passion and career has grown very much in film and TV.”
What started off as a hobby blossomed into a career.
“I never had anyone teach me anything because when I started shooting videos it was just a hobby but as time went on, I started believing that I had the potential to actually make good visuals. “I think I shot my first video about six years ago and from there I have never looked back and I have no intention of stopping anytime soon. I have also started taking film classes and I am doing a lot of research in order to enhance my skillset,” said Andy Cutta.
Now he wants to go for the international scene. “I am inspired by things that I see everywhere, especially what is happening outside the country because I picture the Zimbabwean brand also representing on the international platform. I am glad that there are a lot of productions coming out of the country that show that we are slowly getting there,” he said.
Andy Cutta said he was working on several projects which he was confident would set the pace in 2017.
“People should look out for new videos I have been working on with artistes that include Sandra Ndebele, Cindy, Flame B, Killer T and Trevor Dongo just to name a few. Besides shooting music videos, I am also working on a feature film so people should also look out for that.
“I know that at the moment I might be at the top of my game but I don’t think I have reached my maximum potential, there is still more room for growth.
“There are many projects I have been involved in that are circulating on numerous major platforms, which means there is so much to do in order to maintain the momentum while at the same time trying to expand my brand even further.”
