Monday 11 June 2012

Munodawafa shines at special schools festival

Munyaradzi
Munyaradzi Munodawafa of the Shandisa Chipo Chako fame left fans calling for more with his keyboard playing skills when he performed at the Special Schools Arts Festival that was held at St Giles on Friday.

Many will remember the visually impaired singer from the 1990s when he rocked the air waves and became a favourite. The then seven-year-old musician stole the hearts of music lovers with his video Mwari Vanoona.

Now boasting 17 years of experience in the music industry, Munodawafa proved he has seen it all when he trilled fans with the way he played the keyboard with amazing dexterity. This was a third show in Harare for the Masvingo-based artist this year and he promised to come back for more shows in the capital in addition to touring the country.

“This is just the beginning of my shows in Harare and I feel honoured to perform at such a platform,” said Munodawafa. “My fans have asked for more shows from me, so I will be coming back to Harare for more performances very soon.”

Munodawafa started singing in 1997 at the age of seven when he recorded his debut album titled Mwari Wanoona. He has, so far, released four albums including Farai Munashe, Zvinouraya and Zvava Nezodzo that were recorded in 1999, 2010 and 2012 respectively.

Like any other artist in the music industry, Munodawafa expressed disappointment about the issue of piracy. “Piracy has affected our work as artists to the extent that we remain with nothing in our coffers, yet we spent a lot to produce the music.

“Just imagine all the time we spent in studios and the effort we put to come up with a perfect product only to be robbed by these pirates. It is not fair and something must be done to save our work.” Munodawafa has appealed to the government and relevant stakeholders to come up with stiff measures to curb piracy.

He also appealed to music promoters to assist disabled artists across the country. “My appeal is to promoters whom I feel are letting us down. There must be willing to promote artists with disability.
“Most of the promoters prefer working with established artists yet I feel they should also help upcoming and disadvantaged artists to get exposure.”

Munodawafa was born visually impaired, but his eyesight has partially improved after he underwent an operation in the United States in 2003. Though the operation was successful, there is need for him to return for a second operation as he is still partially blind.

Apart from Munodawafa, Victor Kunonga and Soulbone performed at the festival which according to the organisers, is going to be an annual event where children with disabilities from around the country will gather to celebrate their achievements through arts by showcasing skills and abilities in music, poetry, traditional dance, drawing, crafts and other art forms.

Various artists from special schools that include St Giles, Liyana, Jairos Jiri Kadoma and Zimcare, participated. Young disabled artists exhibited immense talent and left audiences asking for more. Newsday

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