Zimpapers Logo

Leonard Zhakata

Arts Correspondent

While in the past Zora musician Leonard “Karikoga” Zhakata preferred to unveil new releases through low-key events, the artiste has this time planned a mega launch for his upcoming album. The 11-track album will be launched at Harare International Conference Centre on July 8 and the event will feature Alick Macheso and Suluman Chimbetu, among other performers.The concert is set to start at 7pm and revellers are expected to dance the night away till the following morning.

Macheso recently held a big launch at HICC for his album “Tsoka Dzerwendo” while Jah Prayzah has made the venue a permanent home for the unveiling of his new releases.

Alick Macheso

It seems Zhakata wants to make a big statement with the launch of an album that he said would bridge the gap between his old and new music styles.

The CD goes on sale in the morning on July 8 before the evening concert, while a street launch will take place the following day in the city centre.

Zhakata’s last album “Zvangu Zvaita” released in December 2013 scooped the first and second prizes in the Radio Zimbabwe Coca-Cola annual top 50 hits with songs “Dhonza Makomborero” and “Dollar Boy” respectively.

The album was also voted the best at Zimbabwe Music Awards.

Zhakata is optimistic that his forthcoming 11-track album will be his best.

“I have catered for many tastes on the forthcoming album,” said Zhakata in a recent interview.

“Some of our fans have been asking us to revert to the old fast beat that took Zora music to dizzy heights in the 1990s, and we have responded by bringing back the old bit. With the current beat and creating new material altogether, I can tell you we will impress our old, current and potential followers.”

One of the songs from the new album which Zhakata has played at his live shows has sent some of his loyal fans into a frenzy of excitement.

It remains to be known what the song will be titled, but his legion of fans have already named it “Tinotenda”.

In an interview with a local radio station, Zhakata said he usually names his products just before CDs are made – a probable anti-piracy strategy.

One of the organisers of the HICC launch Cosmas “Cossy Rules” Daka said they planned the mega launch to announce the arrival of the much-anticipated album in a big way.

“Zhakata has not done such a big launch before and we want people to come in numbers to support him.

“This year he has worked extra-hard in the studio and I am confident the album will go places. Such a good project deserves a big announcement,” said Daka.

“The fact that the album has 11 tracks tells a lot about the effort the musician has put on the project.

“We are happy Macheso and Sulu have agreed to be part of the event. We are still negotiating with other potential performers at the event, but I can promise an explosive line-up.”

Macheso’s manager Lucky Macheso confirmed they will take part at the launch.

“Yes, I would like to confirm that we will be there to support Mukoma Zhakata. We are all musicians there is need to support each other.

“If one of us does well we should rally behind him or her and on this day we are promising fireworks as we celebrate the new album with him,” he said.

Sulu’s publicist Joe “Local” Nyamungoma said they have learnt a lot from Zhakata and they are pleased to be part of his big day.

“We will celebrate with one of the most experienced musicians in the country. We have learnt a lot from him through various projects that we did together.

“He is a humble man and a hard worker. We will be there to contribute to the launch in a big way. It will be a day to celebrate the birth of a new child in the music community.”