RENOWNED multi-instrumentalist-cum-music producer Clive “Mono” Mukundu, who owns Monolio Recording Stable, says he sticks to his Zimbabwean roots by being innovative without abandoning his African identity when producing and composing music.
Mukundu told NewsDay Life & Style that in his music producing trade, he strives to remain authentic.
“Being innovative does not mean you have to lose your authenticity. You can be innovative, yet still authentic,” he said.
As a musicologist, who studied both the theoretical and practical sides of music, Mono said he was capable of composing any genre, but it was his personal preference that he wanted to be identified with African music.
“I try to be innovative without abandoning my African origin and Zimbabwean roots. The best way to do that is to refrain from copying others and following trends, I don’t believe in being modern, but being timeless,” he said.
“When people talk about being modern, usually they refer to copying other genres and trends from other countries. Zimbabwean music can be modern without imitating other genres and trends from other countries.”
He continued: “Whatever I do, even if it’s modern I make sure it's Zimbabwean. I believe that by copying somebody, you become a cheaper version of that someone.
“Maintaining organic roots, being a multi-instrumentalist who has the ability to play mbira, marimba, flute among other instruments and my abilities in music composition have made it easier for me to beat competition from other music producers who are too digital. Some of the producers can only play the keyboard.”
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The veteran producer said he did not like the idea of playing all the instruments, noting that having new instrumentalists around him blends his music with a unique taste of rich sound.
Meanwhile, Mukundu is set to celebrate his 53rd birthday in style this Friday at Alliance Française in Harare with the launch of his six-track album titled Monosophy.
At the launch, he will be joined by his relatives and friends in showbiz who include mbira queen Hope Masike, Progress Chipfumo, Dereck Mpofu, Mambo Guramatunhu, Hofi Band and 911 Band.
