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Alexio

Jonathan Mbiriyamveka Entertainment Reporter
United Kingdom-based Farhaan “Kazz” Khan and talented singer Alexio Kawara are billed to perform separate shows this weekend at Misty’s, an upmarket hangout located at Newlands Shopping Centre.

The party begins with Alexio and his group Shades of Black tonight before award-winning singer Kazz of the BKay and Kazz fame takes over the show tomorrow (Saturday).

Afro-fusion Alexio leads Shades of Black which has Tawanda Ndoro on lead Guitarist, keyboardist Cornelius Muponda, Leslie Gurumani on drums, Eddie Bassist and Nelly on backing vocals.

Alexio was born on November 28, 1978 as the fourth born in a family of five with all siblings being musically gifted. It was not a beautiful life as the children grew up in Harare’s Glen Norah township.

The young Alexio attended the local school, Shiriyedenga Primary School from 1985 to 1991, before progressing to Mazowe High School from 1991 to 1995, and Vainona High School for his A Level. His inherent love to serenade pulled him in the choir since primary school to A Level, but not even in his wildest imagination did he think he would be a full-time musician.

He went on to study for his Advanced level certificate at Vainona High School and his passionate affair with music continued even then. He enjoys the music of Lionel Richie, Tracy Chapman, Bob Marley, Bhundu Boys and Thomas Mapfumo.

Alexio is known for his groovy rhythms which compel his audience to dance and spread love.

And on Saturday, music lovers can expect nothing but the best when BaShupi and Jonah the former A Academy winner live on one stage.

The show dubbed “Dinner with Kazz” will present a combination of music and food courtesy of the new chef at the restaurant.

Kazz will show his other side as a solo performer without BKay. Make-no-mistake Kazz knows how to rock fans.

He is climbing high on the local music scene with a new single that features yesteryear music sensation Rozalla Miller.

The duo teamed up to make the single “Shaking Through the Night” that was produced by Germany-based Peter Schanz of R&S Entertainment group.

“I was absolutely delighted to have been given the opportunity to work with Rozalla; she is such a big inspiration to me. She has carried our flag high for us in the Diaspora and I hope I will be able to do the same”, Kazz said about the single.

The song has a fresh pop sound that will perhaps make music lovers dance the night away.

Together with his brother Bkay, Kazz rocked the local entertainment scene at the turn of the millennium during their short stint before relocating to the United Kingdom.

Notable songs from the pair include “Hello” with Decibel, “Mercy”, “See You at the Top”, “Amina Kadeya” and “Seven Wonders” among others.

The fourth album released in 2009 had less dance-oriented songs. It was more soul, jazz, and RnB influenced before the duo disappeared from the radar again.

The new song with Kazz, however, proves Miller still has what it takes to blaze up the 21st century club scene.

She is still a free spirit, judging from her tone and lyrics, a track that compliments the youthful Kazz.