KULCHA Houz Studios, a creative crucible for Zimbabwe’s musical talent, has over the years established itself as a hub of innovation and artistic expression in the heart of Harare, offering its two studios, one in the central business district and another in Belvedere, as space for music rehearsals and recordings for diverse artistes such as Freeman, Josphat Somanje, Willom Tight, Nyamasvisva and Roki, among others.
To commemorate the introduction of Zimbabwe’s new Zimbabwe Gold or ZWG (previously known as ZiG) currency, renowned guitarist Trust Samende, who is the proprietor of the studio and music director for the internationally-acclaimed band, Mokoomba, spearheaded the Vamudhara song initiative, uniting a diverse ensemble of some of Zimbabwe’s most talented artistes.
Recorded at Kulcha Houz Studios, the song features songbird Prudence Katomeni, coming in with her powerful lead vocals.
It was produced by a team of music industry professionals including Kudakwashe Gonye aka Gangsta Madeit, Chiweddar, Cornelius Muponda and Clive “Mono” Mukundu, with Samende as the project co-ordinator and overall producer.
The project was made possible through a collaboration with former Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development minister Jonathan Moyo, who composed the song.
A composer and songwriter, he is credited with forming the all-star band Pax Afro and penning all the 26 songs in its hit double CD album Back2Black (2001).
Moyo, currently in self-exile, is known for enforcing the 75% local content policy in the early 2000s, which paved way for the rise of urban grooves and Zimdancehall music genres.
According to a statement released by Kulcha Houz Studios earlier this week, a special request was made to Katomeni to be the lead singer backed by a cast of some of the country’s talented artistes such as Sandra Ndebele, Allan Chimbetu, Jeyz Marabani, Rudo Madindi, DT Bio Mudimba, Mary Anibal, Bryan Kadengu, Hansel “Ma9” Ndlovu as well as the Joyful Praise Choir.
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Guitarists Mathew Ngorima and Sylent Nqo and vocal arranger Gamaliel Madindi served as session musicians.
Samende told NewsDay Life & Style that Kulcha Houz Studios is dedicated to nurturing artistes’ musical talents by providing a platform to showcase their skills while empowering them to perform to international standards.
It also assists them in understanding the music business to attract income opportunities and achieve sustainable careers for themselves.
“We also produce content that helps to market musicians online. As part of our sustainability model, we offer rehearsal, recording and content creation facilities and services for players in the creative industry.”
The video of the song was released on Monday and is now available on the video streaming platform YouTube.
“It was a wonderful experience working with such great musicians. This is a Zimbabwean song that unites local musicians. It was an honuor to do a song for my country and be considered among the musicians in this project.” Marabini expressed his gratitude.
