BULAWAYO musician cum producer Neville Sigauke is in the studio working on debut album due to be released in April.
NONHLANHLA SIBANDA OWN CORRESPONDENT
Sigauke, who is known in musical circles as Mcee DaNev, invented a new genré of music called mbira dze hip-hop in 2014. The music makes use of largely traditional instruments giving it a uniquely African beat.
“On this album I was inspired by the late mbira maestro Chiwoniso Maraire and Thomas Mapfumo,” he said.
“I love their Zimbabwean traditional sound. They are a true reflection of Zimbabwean music, so I decided to emulate them and that is why my music is different from the Western type of hip-hop.
“I use mbira, which defines our traditional music. I make the use of acoustics, congas and marimba mixed with the main hip-hop kicks and snares to produce a unique African sound.
“I am a proud African and display this through my music and fashion. I want people to learn about my culture through my music and to turn mbira dze-hip hop into a global genré.”
The nine-track album is being produced at Bulawayo’s Dope Nation Studios under the guidance of Sigauke and Joshua Chitsa.
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The album named after the new genré will feature artistes such as POY, Mzoe 7and La Josh. It carries tracks such as Ka Love Song, among others.
Sigauke released a single hit track in 2014 titled My African Swag featuring Tendai Sithole and Chitsa. The track became popular on local radio stations topping the charts on ZiFM and receiving favourable airplay on Star FM.
Sigauke has previously performed at an event dubbed Bigger Than Hip-Hop in 2014 at the Cape to Cairo restaurant. He also featured at the Miss Nust 2014, Harbour Modelling show and the Cash Crusaders boat cruise in Durban, South Africa, in 2014.
