Hazvinei Musaandaka with Shepherd Dhliwayo and Pentrodhe Gwenzi in the studio.
Stephen Ephraem
Two enterprising Checheche High School pupils have released a four-track ZimDancehall album named ‘Simbi yebasa’ which contains songs like Ngavatendwe, Ahuwe and Vanobatsira.
The teenage sensation of Pentrodhe Gwenzi (13) and Shepherd Dhliwayo (14) is under the management of Hazvinei Musaandaka, who is an English teacher at their school and also a talented mbira player.
The album was produced by Marlon T and was funded by legislator the recently re-elected Chipinge South Member of Parliament (MP) Enock Porusingazi.
According to Musaandaka, the reason for taking the two teenagers into the studio was to help them get exposed to the recording studios.
"The two boys have been signed by sungura ace Alick Macheso at his Alema Studios. They shall be recorded any time from now so we saw it fit to expose them to recording studios before their major project is undertaken by Macheso," said Musaandaka.
The teacher revealed that Macheso shall feature in the album.
"Macheso shall feature in one song called Genesis. It is an honour for these teenagers to collaborate with a refined musician in the mold of Macheso. I hope the duo shall reap the benefits of their workmanship and ambition.
“When raw talent is discovered, I urge all people involved to promote it and shape youngsters so that they can cultivate their potential and reap the rewards. So far we are synchronising education and arts for the two pupils. I would like to thank the school administration for the support they are giving the artist duo," said Musaandaka.