The Sunday News
BORN in the oldest and first black African township in the city, Makokoba, Kudzanai Shumba has managed to rise from his not so pleasant background to become one of the best drummers in the country.
At just 25, Shumba has become one of the best drummers in South Africa where he is celebrating his fourth year playing for the popular outfit Soul Brothers.
The outfit is one of South Africa’s most celebrated music groups and has so far recorded over 30 albums from the time they were formed in 1974. It is one of the best mbaqanga groups recruiting and incorporating talented members and like any other young man, playing for a group with a successful history is an achievement for Shumba.
In a telephone interview with Sunday Leisure Reporter Pabalelo Tlou (PT), Shumba (KS) narrated his career journey and how he has managed to be a successful drummer. Here he answers the most burning questions about his life as a drummer.
PT: When and why did you start playing drums?
KS: I was only eight when I first sat on the set to play drums, still at a tender age I was recognised by several local groups in Bulawayo. When we were playing at a function at the Large City Hall in Bulawayo I was noticed by Moses Ngwenya of Soul Brothers, who later called me for auditions in South Africa. That is when my career in playing drums took shape.
PT: What has kept you in the game for all these years?
KS: When I started playing drums, I always took it pretty seriously, at the end of high school, I played with several groups which include the Say Band and Overdrive Band. They introduced me to the hard-core scene where I was noticed by many other musicians such as Jeys Marabini, the late Beater Mangete, Jazz Invitation and the Cool Crooners. That is when I realised that if I really want to play music and tour the world there is nothing that can stop me. I, therefore, committed myself to playing drums and other instruments as my life ever since.
PT: Is there any other group besides Soul Brothers you have played for in South Africa.
KS: Yes, I have played with a jazz artiste, Jimmy Dludlu and I also played with One People Band and a Zimbabwean gospel group in South Africa called the Heal Praise, I also played with Freddy Gwala and Platform One.
PT: What is your opinion on the natural ability versus practised player discourse surrounding drumming?
KS: I think like anything it’s a combination of both, but because drumming unfortunately has some sort of masculinity around it, fans tend to focus on the natural ability part. Many people focus on the practice but for me the real question is why are you playing and what is the goal of the music you play?
PT: Do you believe you were called to play drums? If so, was this something that happened early in your career or later?
KS: Like I said I started playing drums at a tender age. It was something that was always on the back of my mind as a kid. I don’t believe in the concept of being called to do anything, but I do believe that drumming was a good thing for me. It always seemed like a pretty natural thing for me to do and so I believe it’s a gift from God.
Some of the things are inborn, which is why so many people have talents in different fields but no matter how talented a person might be, practice makes perfect.
PT: You have become a great drummer, what do you think makes a drummer a legend and what are your hopes in the future?
KS: For me it’s being instantly recognised, creating something new, and fulfilling the point of the music. I have played with several groups and for me to be called a legend I just have to run solo in the near future which I promise to do within the next five years.
I want to open a media studio in Bulawayo that will recognise all media practices and that will unveil hidden talent in the city.
I have realised how talented Bulawayo is but the problem that curb their opportunities are lack of resources and lack of support especially from the community.
PT: Even at this stage in your career, do you occasionally take lessons with a professional instructor?
KS: I never took any drumming lessons or attended any music school in my life. I may say my skills developed with practice where I explore many techniques, and to work with groups like Soul Brothers have helped me gain a lot of experience and exposure.
PT: Using instruments needs some sort of physic, what health procedures do you employ to maintain your fitness and strength?
KS: I usually jog every morning and eat healthy to keep myself fit. I do not go to extremes to keep myself fit.
PT: Who has inspired you in your career?
KS: I think only two people have been an inspiration to me, Simbarashe Gembeza from ZimPraise and Sam Mataure who plays for the legendary Oliver Mtukudzi.
PT: After all these years playing drums: How’s your hearing?
KS: My hearing is good; I have never had a problem with ears. I guess my system adapted to it all. I haven’t used any ear plugs for protection.
