Street drummer turns pro

07 Aug, 2022 - 00:08 0 Views
Street drummer turns pro

The Sunday Mail

Dennis Chimanzi

ISAAC Gonora, the 18-year-old drumming sensation, who made his name playing drums in the streets of Harare has opened a new chapter in his life.

The gifted drummer is now a key member of Simon Mutambi’s Cobra Kings after joining the Beatrice-based sungura ensemble in 2019.

Isaac started perfecting his art from as young as nine years, playing alongside his father Daniel Gonora who is the leader of a family band.

Growing up as a street beggar and singer/drummer, the artiste has remained ambitious and his dreams are coming true.

His quest for success has seen him transition from being a street performer to a professional drummer.

Born in Harare in 2004, the young man credits his father for showing him the ropes.

The duo used to perform live along First Street before moving to the intersection of Cameron and Bank streets where they played from Monday to Friday.

After moving, he was replaced by his younger brother, Proud Gonora.

Before Mutambi offered Isaac the job, the youthful drummer had a stint with gospel musician Madzibaba Learnmore, with whom he performed live during the weekends.

With Madzibaba Learnmore, Isaac went on a national tour, which ironically linked him with Mutambi.

“I was playing drums for Madzibaba Learnmore during a live show in Sanyati when I first met Mutambi. Mutambi was also part of the line-up. We performed and Mutambi was impressed and after the show, he offered me the job,” recalled the drummer.

A deal between the two was finally sealed at Mutambi’s home in Beatrice, effectively making Isaac a key member of Mutambi’s Cobra Kings band.

Ever since that day, Isaac has been staying at Mutambi’s house, with the Cobra Kings boss also taking care of the welfare of the youngster’s visually impaired parents.

Isaac thanked the heavens for opening such a door.

“Before I got employed, my family depended on donations from well-wishers. Life was very tough and oftentimes, we did not have anything to eat. Apart from the salary, my boss is also providing the basic needs to my family.

“I have always wanted my career to grow and that is now happening through Mutambi. I hope to keep expanding and achieve bigger things,” added Isaac.

Mutambi said he took the drummer more like a son than an employee.

“He is a young and disciplined drummer whom I treat as my son. His father is also like a brother to me. We are family,” Mutambi said.

Since joining the Cobra Kings, Isaac has been involved in the production of two albums “Saka Uchaita Sei?” and the recent release “Muchataura Zvese”.

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