Botswana-based Multi-genre Zimbabwean musician dedicates song to slain boy
By Ronnie Chisamba – Botswana-based multi-genre Zimbabwean artiste Nigel Charity Shoko(51) penned a song to mourn and pay tribute to the late Tapiwa Makore – the 7-year-old Murehwa boy who was beheaded for ritual purposes on 18 September this year . Titled Zano, the reggae song was officially released on social media platforms on 18th of this month.
Zano is a Shona word for advice or idea. Sang in Shona and Ndebele ,the song is full of rhetorical questions which call on humanity to sanctify human life over greed for material wealth.
The song was produced by Tinashe Nyamariba (aka Dubblin) – a Zimbabwean music producer based in Johannesburg, South Africa – at DNX records. Online facilities were employed in the production of the song , in support of World Health Organization guidelines meant to combat the spread of the deadly Covid-19.
Zano received attention from the media soon after its release. Voice of America’s popular Studio 7 used the track as a filler on one of its programs on the 19th – just a few hours after the song’s official launch.
A front man for the Mberengwa Express Band ,the complete name for the musical ensemble is Nigel C. Shoko and the Mberengwa Express, Shoko embarked on his professional music career in 2001.He has released 5 albums to date and has worked with celebrated Zimbabwean musicians Aleck Macheso, Leonard Zhakata, the late Tongai Moyo, Sulumani Chimbetu and Dr Tawanda.
Resident in Botswana since 2006 Nigel says he is inspired by artistes from his native land. “My main source of inspiration is the late Leonard Dembo but generally l can say Zimbabwean musicians inspire me,” he pointed out during a recent online interview from his Gaborone home.
