The Sunday Mail
Prince Mushawevato
RISING mbira singer Sasha “Amadhuve” Lishomwa has unleashed her debut video titled “Machinda”.
The gifted composer reckons the effort is going to transform her music career.
In the past, she has released pulsating audio tracks like “2 Timer” (an afro-fusion song), “Madhuna Mutuna” and “Nehanda” that could have done much better with the help of visuals.
“…‘Machinda’ is my first video project and more will be coming. The song was recorded last year.
However, there has been high demand for the visuals from our fans, especially those that watched us in action during the Culture Week celebrations and Mbuya Nehanda statue unveiling,” said Sasha.
“Besides, the song is appealing to a lot of people as it addresses some of the challenges that we currently face. We are living in trying times and the situation has been worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic, thus we are appealing to the Creator for salvation.”
The energetic and strong-willed performer said visuals were the only missing link in her blossoming career.
She is one of the few youthful musicians that are on a mission to revive hardcore mbira music in urban areas.
Of late, rising pop culture seems to have eased mbira music out of the spotlight.
“I have been receiving a lot of consultations from different age groups about traditional music following our performance at the historic unveiling of Mbuya Nehanda’s statue in Harare.
What is inspiring is that most of the people are youths,” she said.
“Most youths spend much of their time on social media, thus it is wise that we produce more visuals to spread on those platforms so that we expand our reach. Besides ‘Machinda’, I am also finalising production of the video ‘Nehanda’.”
The intriguing video, “Machinda”, was shot in Harare.
The song is off Sasha’s forthcoming nine-track album “Mutsindo” that was recorded at KOM Studios by Oscar Chamba and Knowledge Nkoma.
“The project is now ready for release. We wanted to do a live launch but the pandemic derailed our plans. If the situation does not improve, we are going to opt for a virtual launch,” she said.
But how has Sasha managed to keep the wheels turning when most artistes are reeling from the coronavirus?
“I am grateful for the support and assistance I am receiving from my financier and promoter, Nyasha “Machembere” Dope. She has made all things possible for us.
“…the pandemic is bad but on the positive side, it gave me time to create more music for my fans. I have recorded quite a number of tracks, enough to fill two albums.”
Dope, who is the founder and director of Bira Remadzisahwira, said it was her objective to make sure their brand ambassador excels.
“We need to embrace the new normal. Some artistes are making a killing through online sales that are boosted mostly by good visuals. This is why we are supporting Sasha to join the bandwagon. Bira Remadzisahwira will do everything in its power to promote culture and disadvantaged artistes,” she said.
