Published by the government of Zimbabwe
29 March 2008
Harare — Rising Afro-jazz crooner John Kanokanga has produced a brilliant video recording of his debut album, Chirangano.
Although Kanokanga maintains that he is taking music as a hobby, there seems to be a Midas touch in everything he does. At first many a jazz follower were made to believe that it was the star-studded line-up he engaged on his debut audio album in the form of Mono Mukundu, Dumisani Ngulube that made him look good.
But he seems to have complemented the strong line-up by expertly putting together his latest DVD album. The choice of sites, lighting and wardrobe has made the video recording impressive. Kariba is the opening track - a party song that appeals to a wider spectrum of people. The passionate performer was captured canoeing with a bevy of beauties blessed with the looks set to leave men drooling.
This particular video is sexy but at the same time, the singer promotes tourism especially on Kariba Dam, which is expected to lure tourists during the 2010 World Cup tournament in South Africa.
According to Kanokanga, Kariba is more than a video as it places much value on ecological tourism and who does not like tourism after all. Chirangano is arguably one of the most touching videos on the playlist. The singer revisits the historic event at Independence in 1980 when the Union Jack was lowered to mark the end of colonial rule in the country. He urges people of all races to safeguard the gains of independence. Kanokanga also urges people to desist from bickering among themselves and advocate for the prosperity of their nation. The crooner also exhorts people to bury their differences and in the same vein unite against their hardships while rejoicing despite the trying times in the video, Jaivhi.
Even youths who are going through kongonya paces in the video are evidently rejoicing. He also features some of the Miss Big Matofotofo finalists in the video. In a way, Kanokanga has proved society wrong by showing that big women can also do what the slim and trim are capable of - especially dancing. For those who are in love with slow ballads, Jekawacheka is for them and on it the singer slows things down a little bit.
In fact it is mellower and for jazz connoisseurs, the video is arguably one for the archives. It shows love-birds locked in their romantic world. Kamukunun'unu Kamukube and Chamu are two more videos to look forward on the DVD. Despite having a tight schedule, Kanokanga is confident that he would certainly leave a mark on the music landscape despite venturing into music on the wrong side of the 40s.
Age to him is just but a number and what counts to him is the voice as long as it allows him to preach his gospel. Inspired by Oliver Mtukudzi, the singer has a similar approach as he makes the simple appear sophisticated though appealing and angelic to the ear and eye.
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