Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Richmore Tera and Tarisai Mudziwepasi
13 November 2009
Harare — VISITING South African Afro-pop and kwaito musician Freddy Gwala has said his tour of Zimbabwe was part of his mission to fight crime on the continent through music.
"I will stop singing until there is no more crime in Africa. Crime is not only high in South Africa but throughout Africa," he said.
Gwala was speaking ahead of his one-off show at Sports Diner in the capital tonight.
He is billed to share the stage with popular South African all-female outfit Platform One together with talented local group, Amavhitikazi.
A self-confessed former 'jailbird',Gwala said much of his music was inspired by his prison experiences, which he said was a tough place.
"It was not easy in jail, it was very tough life. I sing from my experiences. I came out (of jail) motivated, telling myself that I would do things right so that whoever wants to commit crime will know that prison is not the right place to be," said Gwala, who produced Sipho Makhabane's first album, Yek Inthokozo.
Gwala was full of praise for Zimbabwean musicians whom he described as talented.
"Zimbabwean artistes are very talented. In fact, we are all talented, the only thing that was lacking here was marketing, but the music is good. "I think our album with Amavhitikazi is going to be a smash album. I also worked with the late Paul Matavire on an album because musicians here are good," he said.
Meanwhile, the manager of Amavhitikazi, Zanele Nkomazana said she was thrilled to be sharing the stage with one of Africa's best musicians.
"It is not easy to start a relationship with a top musician like Gwala. Although we have had a cultural exchange programme with Platform One in the past, this one means a lot to us since we are also rebranding to Amavhitikazi Music," she said.
Married with three children, the 48-year-old Gwala described himself as "just a normal person. I'll never ask for beer."
"I am an under-deacon, I only smoke cigarettes not mbanje, I'm a preacher."
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