The Sunday Mail
Prince Mushawevato
VERSATILE artpreneur, Johanne “Joe Local” Nyamungoma, will this Wednesday attempt to revivify a once promising music career when he launches his second album at Red Café in Harare.
The seven-track album titled “Kuseri Kwacho”, was recorded at Live Sound Studios International by Norman Tapambwa.
Joel Local’s name means different things to people from different walks of life.
He is the guy who breathed life into Suluman “Sulu” Chimbetu’s publicity machinery during his five-year stint with Orchestra Dendera Kings stretching from 2011. Prior to that, he had worked with the late Prince Tendai, one of the earliest urban grooves artistes who, however, preferred to call his music, barbed wire. Joe Local was Prince Tendai’s right-hand man in the petroleum trade and other arts related business ventures.
But his relevance, is not only limited to the aforesaid portfolios. The publicist-cum-musician has also tried his hand in the transport and catering businesses including having a moment on the decks as a club DJ. In fact, Joe Local has done a lot of things within and outside showbiz, but that is a story for another day.
One thing that remains striking about him is his unwavering love for music. His first attempt as a band leader saw him release “Mhoroyi Mhoroyi” in 2010. The effort was warmly received on the market with the song “Musarove Madzimai” enjoying fair airplay on national radio stations.
However, unending commitments to other people’s endeavours resulted in Joe Local failing to pursue a solo career further. It was only after taking a break from direct involvement in Sulu’s band affairs that he created time to work on his second album with his group Ekhaya Direct.
“It has always remained my wish to produce more music but time and resources were limiting me. The short time I have spent off serious engagements has resulted in me recording ‘Kuseri Kwacho’. I’m convinced I’ve done my best and hope music lovers will endorse the project,” said Joe Local.
Tracks on the album include “Yave”, “Ndarova Smart”, “Peter Ndlovu”, “Makomo”, “Ndafara Chose”, “Kudendera” and “Mhoroyi”.
Whether his effort redefines the standing order within sungura or not, fact remains that Joel Local is a dedicated man who always aims high. The singer’s love for the microphone is unquestionable. He used to join Sulu on stage helping with backing vocals.
It does not end there! The Ekhaya Direct frontman also has an absorbing musical trait. He often warbles when driving or doing general chores, behaving like he is in the studio or singing for a crowd. And the Red Café event on Wednesday is set to be a special moment for him.
This is a moment the 40-year-old hopes will successfully re-introduce his music career. Sungura exponent Alick Macheso and dendera crooner Sulu are among musicians that have promised to support the singer’s momentous occasion.
The occasion will also be graced by the musician’s close friends, media practitioners (print and electronic), and promoters among other stakeholders.
“I worked on ‘Kuseri Kwacho’ for several months and it is now ready for the listener’s ear. The album unveiling event will be intimate and powerful,” revealed Joe Local.
“It has taken me close to a decade to go back into the studio. This was due to commitments I had before. I’m now ready to engage full-throttle in this cut-throat business and plead for public support so that the journey can be smooth.”
Devine Assignments boss Biggie Chinoperekwei has been instrumental in supporting Joe Local’s music career.
“We are all about supporting arts and dreams. This a man who is showing devotion and all we can do as an ‘Uncle in Showbiz’ is to provide him with backing, of course, within our means so that he (Joe Local) realises his full potential,” said Chinoperekwei.
