Published by the government of Zimbabwe
6 October 2009
Harare — ONE of the latest signings at Alick Macheso's Last Power Media studios, Liversy Matamba, has said royalties from the sales of his music never sustained him.
As a result, the Highfield-based musician had to resort to odd jobs r to eke out a living, something that most musicians have been doing since they do not make a living from royalties.
"I cannot say that I have survived out of royalties from my albums. The people at my former recording company (name supplied) always told me that music at that time was not selling because of the environment that was prevailing in the country during that period.
"As a result, I had to survive out of vending -- selling soft drinks and other items," he said.
Matamba said it was because of this reason that he had also stopped recording.
"It is true that the situation in the country was tough for us. Studios were telling us that it was not the right time for us to record.
"But now we are back since all is now looking well.
He claimed that he was out to break the dominance in the sungura music scene made by the likes of Alick Macheso and Tongai Moyo.
"The same names have been dominating in sungura music, but I am going to break that dominance.
"The trick is to improve on sound and message. We have come out strong and we will continue knocking on the doors of music fans until they appreciate what we are doing," he said.
Matamba said he hoped that his move to Last Power Media would bring the best out of him.
"With last Power there is light. They are serious and appreciate your work. They have promised to take me to the highest level. With that kind of environment it gives me hope and strength to concentrate on dishing out quality albums to fans and the nation," said Matamba.
His latest album Nheyo Yakasimba Strong Foundation - shows the vintage Matamba who is a social critic.
"We aim to advise people on social issues and family values.
"We urge peace, love and harmony in society," he said.
Other tracks on the album Ndirikurwadziwa, Chitsidzo (both videos are in the pipeline), Daka Neni, Takachembedzana, Joana and Ona Mwana Wako.
Matamba -- born May 18, 1970 in Hurungwe -- first launched his professional music career in 1996 when he recorded the album Zvinoita with former Bhundu Boys drummer Kenny Chitsvatsva.
In 1998, he joined Yeukai Brothers with whom he recorded Vakakurera Vakuru before going solo.
His catalogue of albums includes: Hupenyu Hwedu (2000), Kurarama Kwedu (2001), Rairo (2002), Inzwa Unzwisise (2004), Shoko (2005) and Kuzvidzora released in 2006.
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