Chaki resurrects Chigiyo music…nominated for the Zima Awards

06 Dec, 2015 - 00:12 0 Views
Chaki resurrects Chigiyo music…nominated for the Zima Awards Clayton “Chaki” Jonas

The Sunday News

 Clayton “Chaki” Jonas

Clayton “Chaki” Jonas

Sukoluhle Ndlovu, Midlands Correspondent
GWERU-BASED Afro Jazz contemporary artiste, Clayton “Chaki” Jonas has reignited the Chigiyo Vibes which were popularised by Zig Zag band following the release of his debut album, Evolution (Chigiyo).

The Kwekwe-based outfit popularised Chigiyo with hits such as Mudzimu Mukuru and Gomo Ramasare in the early 90s. Zig Zag’s fortunes started to wane at the turn of the millennium but their rhythms which is a fusion of keyboards, guitars and horns to which produces an Afro traditional sound still inspire many to this day.

Produced by Gweru born, Clayton “Oskid” Tapfumanei at Real Sounds Studios in Harare, Chaki’s album has six tracks — Munopera, Seunondida and Network.

Mai Varamba, Chaki and Pisai complete the album which has a mixture of slow and fast beats.

The album which was released early this year has received favourable airplay at the Zvishavane-based local radio station, YaFM. Chaki could have begun his journey to stardom as his debut album has been nominated for the Zimbabwe Music Awards together with Jah Prayzah who is arguably the man of the moment, Changamire and Afro-Jazz female sensation, Diana Samkange in the Best Traditional Music category. The late mbira diva Tasarina who also comes from the Midlands capital is also among the nominees.

He describes his nomination as a humbling experience.

“I still cannot believe that I am among the nominees and it is so humbling that I am still a rookie in the industry yet I am nominated alongside the likes of Jah Prayzah. This is quite motivating and will push me to come up with even better productions,” he said.

Chaki who turns 36 later this year said he grew up with a passion for music and only began to take it seriously in 2013 through encouragement from friends which prompted him to embark on his debut project the same year.

“I always had the talent and during the weekends I would play the guitar with my friends and most of them encouraged me to record an album. It was in 2013 after so much pressure from my friends as well as my colleagues from work that I started this project.

“I finished the project in December last year and I took this long because I did not want a rushed product. I have always been an ardent fan of Chigiyo Music hence I decided to revive the beat,” he said.

He is married to Corrie Jonas and blessed with two children Rafiki — (5) and Aura (2) who are all are based in the United Kingdom.

Going forward the Gweru based artiste who has been holding live shows in the Midlands capital said he would soon spread his wings and start to perform in other towns following an overwhelming response to his album.

Chaki is already working on a new album which is due for release early next year which he says will assert the reincarnation of Chigiyo on the local music scene.

Share This:

Survey


We value your opinion! Take a moment to complete our survey

This will close in 20 seconds