The Sunday Mail
Dennis Chimanzi
SONGSTRESS Charlene Robertson believes her latest productions will once again propel her to stardom.
The veteran musician took a long hiatus as she pursued other interests outside the country.
Robertson officially landed onto the musical scene in the late 80s and has exchanged notes with several heavyweights among them the late James Chimombe, Ephat Mujuru, Biggie Tembo and Illanga.
Some of her popular songs include “Happy Land-Tinofarira Nyika” and “Home” in which she convincingly glorifies the beautiful nation Zimbabwe.
“Happy Land-Tinofarira Nyika” at some point topped local music charts and was aired in different parts of the globe.
Singles that include “One Love Africa”, “New Day” and “Victory” also did well.
Speaking in an interview, Robertson said her songs on “Single 57” and “Rhythm” come with a touch of class that gives her an edge on the market.
“I’m very optimistic that the songs can do very well. Since I started singing, I have never failed and many of my songs were hits,” she said.
“I had taken a break but I’m now back in the game. In fact, I want to make headlines once again. My schedule has been busy but I now want to put more focus on music. I am currently working on a new single and album.”
The musician went off the music radar for over a decade only to resurface in 2005 with the release of “Multiotherside”.
The 62-year-old singer boasts of a beautiful voice and unique style that easily captures attention.
Her genre is a mixture of African and Western Urban Music.
“Come on people”, which is the first song on “Rhythm” aptly captures the high spirits Charlene brought to the project.
The song is simply irresistible.
The track “One Love” encourages people to care for each other and also to have confidence and perseverance in whatever endeavour they pursue.
“On ‘One Love’, I have tried to preach love, to encourage and to motivate the public not to give up in life,” said Robertson.
She periodically juggles between the United Kingdom (UK) and Zimbabwe.
However, she is currently in the country.
When home, she spares some time to assist aspiring musicians find their groove through lectures.
“I have spent several years in the UK. However, Zimbabwe remains at the core of my heart. I love this country and its people. Each time I come home, I always make sure that I deliver music lectures to students at the Zimbabwe College of Music,” she said.
“I release all my music on my own and under my record label. I also play the rhythm guitar on all my music.”
She has set in motion plans to host several gigs around the country.
“This will give me an opportunity to reconnect with some of my old fans while creating new ones as I market new projects,” opines Robertson.
“I’m also planning to work with fellow Zimbabwean artistes and sponsors in a number of projects.”
The musician has in the past performed outside Zimbabwe, with most shows being held in the UK.
Besides music, she is also into acting and advertising.
She once secured a cameo role in “King Solomon’s Mines” which featured Hollywood stars Sharon Stone and Richard Chamberlain as main actors.
