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By Goodwell Kazingizi
Veteran musician and songwriter Macwillis Foster Khamanga popularly known in the music circles as Mafokofoko says the music industry in this country has the potential to scale to greater heights.
Speaking during an online interview with this publication, the Gweru-born maestro noted that despite the adverse challenges that mar the musical journey of most musicians, they have enough talent to sail through and to take the music industry to the next level.
“This country has a lot of talented artistes. They need the support of various stakeholders to realize their full potential,” lamented Mafokofoko.
Mafokofoko made his professional career debut when he formed the band “Effort Guys” in Tengwe, Karoi. The band succumbed to various musical challenges. He went on to join a Mhangura based outfit “The shine bros “.
The talented guitarist also had successful stints with several other bands, the likes of Black Chips, Chirwa, Super sounds, Wanderers, and Savara jazz band in that order.
The 52-year-old recorded his debut album titled Chiriseri when he was working with the Mazanomoto band. After that, the nomadic guitarist also had some romance with Vhuka Boys, New Hard Spirits, and the Zimbabwe Chachacha kings.
Mafokofoko had a music hiatus from 2000 to 2005. He broke it when he formed a group called “Afro Route Connection”, which was later rechristened “Madzimambo”. The group has seven members and is still in existence to date under his leadership.
The “Afro flavoured Rhythms” frontman is looking forward to releasing a new album and had this to say “We are working on an album that is supposed to be released this year. I am looking forward to collaborating with renowned artistes like Gemmah Graffiths, Eriah Tembo, and Alick Macheso just to mention a few.”
Khamanga says he was inspired into music by the late veteran Zexie Manatsa when he saw him performing live at the Lion’s Den way back in 1976 when he was only 7 years of age.