The Sunday News
Leonard Ncube
AMERICAN reggae artiste Kevens who was in Victoria Falls on holiday commended the hospitable environment in the resort town and said he intended to hold shows in the country very soon.
Although he refused to disclose his age and religion he said he felt spiritually connected to Zimbabwe than in any other part of the world adding that he was charmed by the naturality of the people and the environment that Victoria Falls offers.
Kevens said he has never talked about his age and religion as they are divisive elements.
“I don’t talk about religion, age and nationality because that is meant to separate and divide us. My skin is black, and that’s my nationality – being African,” he quickly says as the interview starts.
Although some might say he is little known, Kevens is one of the well travelled and world acclaimed reggae artistes and has shared the stage and collaborated with great musicians such as the Jackson family, Hugh Masekela of South Africa, among others.
A very interesting character, the ever smiling, Kevens said coming to Zimbabwe was like reuniting with a long lost family.
“I was here just to connect with my spiritual roots and ancestors. It’s amazing to see animals and that oneness with nature. Where else in this world can you see a baboon on the street – this is paradise which we only see on TV in America. Since I was a child I have been yearning for an identity and Zimbabwe has always been a place that I wanted to visit and reconcile with my roots. Here I am looking at the wonders of creation,” he said.
Kevens was accompanied by his girlfriend, Ember for the five-day visit at the beginning of this month and they have since flown back via Johannesburg.
“Living in America, we are a country with diverse nationalities but there is no sentimental touch with culture, here you touch and smell culture. You see a black man and see yourself in him. I met someone and smiled at him, he smiled back. As we talked I discovered he is a stone carver, you know that’s what I wanted to see, naturality,” said Kevens.
He said he started music at a very tender age.
“I had a privilege of meeting influential people in the industry, one of them being Bob Marley’s mother who told me that when you are writing a song write it like you are writing a letter, with emotions, feelings and experiences in it. Every song I write I pray first for guidance,” he said.
He suggests a unique approach to music, saying he has always not been concerned about working with promoters and agents.
“Initially I wasn’t really following industry rules because I didn’t want to sell my soul to the devil as the music industry is full of bad things. I have made it without relying on those agents who demand huge sums of money when there are people on the ground who can give their service while changing their lives. I did my own promotions using grassroots services and I didn’t focus on albums or sales much. I have one album – We are alive – and several singles.
I did my last single with Bob Marley’s half brother Richard aka Electric Dread.” Kevens said.
“I have shared the stage with the Jackson family at a show called White Night in Russia and have played with Hugh Masekela in Jamaica just to name but a few.”
The dreadlocked artiste said he was willing to work with any talented singer in the country. As an artiste, the unsung hero said he had already set plans for a tour of Africa, Zimbabwe included.
He said he was planning a very unique show where he wished to play in the countryside for the rural Africans.
“I really want to come here and bring my music to Africa. I am thinking of performing in Africa, sing for my roots. I want to play in the bush for those living an undiluted African life unlike those who can afford a concert. I want to play in the bush for those regarded as less privileged because I want to feel at home. I know it has never happened and looks weird but I want to do it,” Kevens said.
He commended the talent endowed in Africa in terms of art saying it could not be compared to any other place in the world. It seems Kevens was charmed by everything he saw in Victoria Falls.
“When I arrived I was shocked to find there is love. I never thought there was such a thing here. I felt very comfortable and free and was walking around wearing a t-shirt, a thing I haven’t done anywhere else besides my home because I like to dress when going out. I even picked a small stone which I want to take to my mother to say I got it from Zimbabwe.
