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Jonathan Mbiriyamveka Entertainment Reporter
WELL-KNOWN lead guitarist and music producer Clive “Mono” Mukundu says he has no regrets over leaving The Black Spirits.
In a recent interview with Star FM’s Comfort Mbofana on the Breakfast Club, Mono disclosed that had he not moved from the Black Spirits he would not have realised his full potential.
“Quite honestly, I don’t regret leaving the Black Spirits because I learnt a lot from the group and it was only after leaving the band that I started doing my own thing.

“I established my own studio and started working with a number of musicians, something that I never thought I would do,” he said.
Asked how he met Oliver Mtukudzi, Mono said he was called to replace the group’s then lead guitarist Philani.

“It was almost by accident because I got a call from Mtukudzi and he said he wanted a replacement and somebody who could learn fast.
“So I agreed and at that time I was just supposed to stand in for Philani but I later I became a permanent member,” he said.

According to Mono, his stint with the Black Spirits broadened his music knowledge and he toured around the world.
However, he left the group to open his own music studio called Monolio where he became a full-time producer.

“Well, he (Mtukudzi) made a business decision that he wanted to use marimba instead of the guitars and keyboards. So I was one of those who were affected by the decision and the only thing that I had to do was to open my studio,” he said.

When asked if he was making money from his music, Mono jokingly said he was living a decent life.
“Well, according to Zimbabwean standards I am comfortable with what I have. You know the sad thing about most Zimbabwean musicians is that they have been affected by poor record sales and most record companies have closed shop due to piracy and they don’t have a plan B.
“I am still musician because I don’t have a plan B to fall back on so that’s why I focus on music,” he said.

Recently, Mono celebrated 25 years in the music business with the release of two musical videos titled “Hakusi Kungwara” and “Hatina Plan B”.

Mukundu says his musical journey to stardom and success was not an easy road. He says musicians should be innovative to achieve some of their goals.

He is one of the most sought-after producers in the country and is rated among the very best as he has produced a number of upcoming and renowned artistes in Zimbabwe.

A graduate from the Zimbabwe College of Music and a former music teacher at Prince Edward School, went on to join Mtukudzi in 2003 and recorded more than four albums with him.

Apart from producing music, Mono has worked on a number of collaborations with musicians from diverse musical genres and has featured on more than 600 albums.