Changamire Dombo aims high

MARONDERA- Changamire Dombo, a Marondera-based artist has attracted the
attention of many music lovers.
The humble musician has performed at many gatherings and the one which will
always echo in his mind is the Chibuku Road to Fame Finals.
Born Kumbirai Munyire some 22 years ago, Changamire Dombo as he is
affectionately known in the music circles, grew up listening to a variety of music
genres but was touched by Terry Africa's type of massage and beat.
His singing career began when he was staying at Eagle Tanning, some 10km out of
Marondera town along the Harare-Mutare highway.
Six years ago, Changamire Dombo recorded his first single, Zvawati Ndiwe,
Changamire Dombo's says his chosen music genre – Zimdancehall-fusion spreads a
message to listeners unlike Zimdancehall which he says is just for fame and
entertainment.
To date he has recorded more than 20 singles which he thinks, if marketed well,
would change his music career for the better. The singles were recorded and
produced at Hitbase Studios owned by Lenon Molande.
"My type of music is Zimdancehall-fusion and it is peculiar in the sense that it has no
certain group of people it fits. Everyone has an interest in it to a certain extend.
Unlike other artists who say they dream verses of songs, I usually write and sing
what I see and experience in my community. The bottom line is the fact that the
environment is my source,” he said.
Airing his views on why most people perceive the Zimdancehall genre as full of drug
addicts and substance abusers, Changamire Dombo said that content is more than
the type of language send.
He said: “Some music followers regard Zimdancehall as such because most of the
artists wrongly believe that using immoral language is of interest to most music
lovers but that is not the case.
Unfortunately, due to lack of funds Changamire Dombo laments that he has been
failing to procure his own instruments.
He has been assisted by one Samaritan Mhlanga who has been providing him with
instruments for shows and recordings making his musical journey successful.

The fairy tale of his music career was the moment he was given the platform at the
Chibuku Road to Fame national finals at Takashinga Cricket Club where he had the
rare opportunity to share the stage with the legendary Sungura kingpin Alick
Macheso.
The competition was collaborative effort between the sole sponsor Delta Beverages
through its Chibuku brand and the arts mother body, the National Arts Council of
Zimbabwe (NACZ) and was held this month under the theme: “Imba Tinzwe, Cula
Sizwe Super Star.”
Winners of the competition which started at provincial level competed at national
level for prize money and a fully-paid recording contract.
The Chibuku Road to Fame competition featured a variety of genres that included
Afro fusion, Sungura, mbira, Zimdancehall and jazz.
Changamire Dombo’s wish is to be given opportunities to perform at musical shows
that attract huge crowds as this will provide him with more marketing opportunities
for his brand.
“As someone who is still growing in the music industry, I think performing regularly
before huge crowds will help boost my confidence as well as market my brand. I am
of the view that the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe should create platforms
where music concerts are held for upcoming artists like me in all provinces in the
country.
“There are many talented artists out there but their talent is going to waste because
they lack the exposure which is critical if one is to become a successful musician,”
he said.
Upcoming artists, he added, should be focused and shun drug and substance abuse.