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Tawanda Marwizi Arts Correspondent
Upcoming sungura musician Tendai Chipara last week released his fourth album titled “Zvakutapira”. The 29-year-old musician said he was inspired by Leonard Dembo to venture into music.
Backed by Ramangwana Musica, Tendai’s music is a reflection of the young musician’s deep understanding of the people around him and the issues that affect them in their day-to-day lives.

“When I sing these songs I just look at things that happen in our society,” he said.

Though his previous albums failed to make an impact on the music industry he still has the courage to keep on with his career.

“Things are taking shape though my previous albums failed to make an impact on the music industry,” he said.

Some of the songs that are on the album are “Mistake”, “Zvakutapira” “Kunonoka Kugaya”, “Sona Sona”, “Simba RaMwari”, “Kumusha” and “Huya Tifare”.

“We are staging live performances so far and like I can say things are taking shape because some of the songs are now known,” he said.

Chipara says attendances at most of his shows are well attended although things can get better.

The young musician started off his music career in 1996 at Mary Mount Misssion in Rushinga.

“I was inspired by the late Leonard Dembo’s music which I grew up listening to.

“I then started composing my own songs and the way that people urged me inspired me to record my music.

“It was tough to record because of lack of funding while some recording companies were not keen to offer young musicians like me recording contracts,” Tendai said.

He added: “I encourage recording companies to put in place programmes aimed at promoting upcoming musicians.”

Born on April 25, 1982 in Rushinga, Tendai has other albums such as “Marwadzo” and “Manyemwe”.

The new seven-track album was recorded at Diamond Studios.

Although unknown nationally, the young musician commands a huge following in Mashonaland Central where he has made Mt Darwin his fortress.

“I am slowly penetrating Harare, there are many promoters who have contacted my manager and want me to perform there and I will definitely do that as well as spread my wings even further,” he said.