Chemudhara releases 9th album
By Showbiz Writer
There has almost always something special about a Sungura bassist especially in light of the exploits of kingpin Alick Macheso who like a tornado had to rise from the backing role of Khiama Boys.
Think Naison Chimbetu, the man behind the baas guitar, as his late elder brother Simon would call it; that booming sound that has made Dendera music a momentous find in Zimbabwean music.
Think Ronnie Mudhindo and Spencer khumulani who helped raise Tongai Moyo from a small town fellow to a national icon.
The list is endless. That is the caliber of former Tembo Brothers’ bassist Rodrick Chemudhara.
Arguably one of the best bass guitarists ever produced in the country and now based in Dagenham, East London, the singer who has eight albums to his name from a solo career starting 1999 will be releasing his ninth offing soon and he acknowledges, it has been a long; eventful journey.
Speaking from his UK base this week, Chemudhara told Showbiz the new album titled Focus would carry six tracks namely Sona Muromo, Usaonde, Mumwe Akatsamwa, Ndirangarireyi (Focus), Ita Izvozvo and Adade.
Chemudhara said although he did not go to the UK to do music, he has found it difficult to let go of the guitar.
“I didn’t come to the UK to do music. I came here mainly to stay with my wife Ruth Tiriboyi who is a musician as well known as the Jiti Queen,” he said.
Rodrick Chemudhara’s Focus album sleeve
He said unlike what people think that it is generally difficult to be a Sungura artiste performing in the UK, he has found it intriguing as Europeans are enthused by African sounds.
“I don’t think there are difficulties in making shows here because white people love African sounds. They really enjoy our stuff but the only difficulties are that arise are on our part because it is rather expensive to travel to the UK but they love our music. I have had just a few shows here and I was shocked they love our music that much. It is only financial challenges and opportunities that limit musicians from travelling,” he said.
Having joined John Chibadura’s Tembo Brothers in 1995, Chemudhara was responsible for the bass guitar on recording of Vengai zvenyu, Mutumwa, Kukura kurerwa, Zuva guru, Nguva yakaoma and some of the tracks on Raggae hits.
His solo albums are Makomborero, Chengeto, Musavavarira, Ndatadza kumedza, Vimbikai, Dollar Power, Reminder and Rudo Kunyanya.
He said he was happy with the progression of the genre back home and said he felt the efforts by the young artistes will help preserve Zimbabwean heritage.
Chemudhara added that he was glad that his fans back home keep supporting him whenever he releases an album.
“It is as if I am actually getting more popular by the day even though I am away. Each time I have new material people love it and I thank God for that,” he said.
“Even my wife is very happy for me and she supports me from all angles. I am hoping to release either one or two albums each year.”
