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RK (right) with Mr Kamera

R-Kay The Big Stage
When someone dies others express their pain within seconds while others seem to have the strength to go through the proceedings but after some days or weeks reality catches up with them and the mourning period begins for them.

As I write this weeks article, I just realise how my entertainment space has become empty as the Book Café was my usual hangout. I would meet and chat with the artistes whether upcoming or the stars. It was impossible for me to go a week without a visit to this arts hub to participate in discussions, debates, workshops but above all to enjoy artistes from all walks of life doing their thing. It was at this place that I also built my confidence as an artiste some years ago when they were situated at Fife Avenue.

So, anywhere, I have tried to look for an alternative place that can offer the same variety and space for the arts to grow. An environment easy going and accessible for both the arts lovers and the artistes themselves and to date nothing is in sight. My wish is to see the venue back and continuing with their mandate but if that doesn’t happen, hey a big thank you guys for a job well done.

For the past 25 years I have had the privilege of working with a number of individuals, schools and church organisations in music development initiatives. It is always a pleasure to meet some of the people that I have influenced and have in their own right have become forces to reckon with in the game.

Last week I had an unusual visit from a young man that I taught music at Hatfield Junior school way back but now has evolved into a music producer based in South Africa.

So we took some time out and discussed the journey that he had taken to date and exchange notes. As we did, I saw a young-man who had more than talent but a strong passion, determination and confidence. Its not really about who you are, where you come from but it’s about that gift in you, that hard work that will make you breakthrough. By the way, at Grade Seven I produced his first hip-hop album which he still has and I’m sure we will sample it one of these days.

The big stage always takes pride in Zimbabweans that are doing big on the worldwide stage and this week allow me to celebrate Mr Kamera.

Brief introduction

My name is Tatenda Terence Kamera. My stage name is Mr Kamera. I am a music producer by profession. I fell in love with music since I was in primary school and since then I have worked with multiple artistes from around the continent including ex Big Brother Africa housemate Cleo Ice Queen, FB (the singer of the hit record Xigubu), L-Tido, Ice Prince, Harrysong, KCee, Iyanya, DJ Xclusive, Eva Alordiah, Stella Mwangi, Nadia Nakai and more.

I am also working with Grammy award winning, multi-platinum selling music producer Brian Soko, who is responsible for producing the hit single “Drunk In Love” by Beyonce and many other songs by popular names like Tinashe, Kelly Rowland, Lil Wayne, Ray J, Future and more. We are working together on exciting projects in and around Africa and the US.

I am also working on amazing projects with my fellow Zimbabwean artistes namely Simba Tagz and Thaiwanda.

I have started making music for movies and the first one I worked on started airing on DSTV Mzansi Magic in April 2015.

My dream is to achieve as much as I can and inspire people to work hard and realise that dreams do come true.

‘‘Hanzi maZimba tinenharo’’ (song by Tiva styles). If you want to find out more about Mr kamera just go to youtube and search ‘‘The making of Fresh and clean by Ltido and Ice prince.’’

This weekend on my Saturday radio show I would like you to come along as we recognise and celebrate our own who are doing it big in the arts industry locally and on the big stage.

Join me then on the Playback on Starfm between 12 and 3 pm. Log onto www.starfm.co.zw.

 Richard Kohola is an arts critic, radio personality and music consultant you can contact him on the following number 0772 382 871 or email [email protected]