Zimpapers Logo

Tafadzwa Zimoyo Entertainment Reporter
Zimbabwean sculptor and musician Terry Benhura has roped in Sierra Leonean singer Alimamy Karbgo on his latest album titled “Murombo Munhu”. Terry (34) who is a nephew to internationally celebrated sculptor Dominic Benhura featured Alimamy on some of the songs on the eight-track gospel album in a move that is likely to boost his musical fortunes. The affable musician said he managed to rope in the services of the Sierra Leonean after striking a working relationship with him and other artistes from Africa during an arts workshop they both attended in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2007.

“It was during an arts workshop we attended in Nairobi that I became friends with Alimamy as well as Charles Langa of Umoja Dance Group of South Africa. It was an eye-opening and enriching experience since I learnt the ropes from these professional musicians and artistes,” he said.

Added Terry: “I was very keen to learn and when we came together as artistes from various parts of Africa, this further honed my music skills. I gained confidence, and when Alimamy visited Zimbabwe last year to follow up on my developments, this is when we started working on this album.”

Recorded at Saizim Studios, the eight-track album indeed bears the feel of the Sierra Leonean as well as the Zimbabwean touch to come up with a novel Afro-fusion sound that is fresh to the ear. Terry also assembles a pool of gifted instrumentalists who make his sound irresistible and appealing to people of all ages.

“Mukai” urges people to arise from the world of sin and follow Jesus Christ, while “Ramangwana” is a reminder for people to prepare for what comes tomorrow and afterwards. “Dai Tanamata” takes the same thread further by exhorting people to repent, a message that is further buttressed in “Believe in God”, “Moyo Wako” and “Send Me God”. “Samson” and “Murombo Munhu” make up the rest of the playlist.

Terry paid tribute to his uncles, Dominic and his elder brother Tichafa, for supporting him in his music career.

“Uncle Dominic bought me the musical instruments that I am using while his elder brother Uncle Tichafa also chipped in with a Mercedes Benz vehicle, a trailer and generator for use.

“Without this support, I don’t know where I would be today,” he said.

Terry – who is making efforts to acquire space to construct an arts centre in Harare – is also into charity work through free art lessons.

“As a sculptor, I have conducted free sculpture lessons to the children at Newlands Clinic, also known as Swiss Aids Care.”