By Ronnie Chisamba
Botswana-based multi-genre artist Nigel Charity Shoko (51) officially released a track dedicated to the late Tapiwa Makore – the 7-year-old Murehwa boy who was beheaded for ritual purposes on 18 September this year. Titled Zano, the reggae song was released on social media platforms on Wednesday last week.
Zano is a Shona word for advice or idea. Sang in Shona and Ndebele, the song is full of rhetorical questions that call on humanity to value the sacredness of human life over greed for material wealth.
The song was produced by Tinashe Nyamariba (aka Dubblin) – a Zimbabwean music producer based in Johannesburg, South Africa – at DNX records. Online facilities were employed in the production of the song, in support of World Health Organization guidelines meant to combat the spread of the deadly Covid-19.
Zano received attention from the media soon after its release. Voice of America’s popular Studio 7 used the track as a filler on one of its programs on the 19th – just a few hours after the song’s official launch.
Frontman for the Mberengwa Express Band, the complete name for the musical ensemble is Nigel C. Shoko and the Mberengwa Express. Shoko embarked on his professional music career in 2001.
He has released 5 albums to date and has worked with celebrated musicians Aleck Macheso, Leonard Zhakata, the late Tongai Moyo,Sulumani Chimbetu, and Dr. Tawanda.
Shoko is inspired by local artists.
“My main source of inspiration is the late Leonard Dembo but generally l can say local musicians inspire me,” said the Ndakarera Ndega (2001) – sungura song – hitmaker.