Zamar inherits Tuku sound

Langalakhe Mabena
LEGENDARY Zimbabwean muso Oliver Mtukudzi might have sadly departed from earth in 2019, but courtesy of gospel sensation Psalmist Takesure (TK) Zamar Ncube, his music lives on.

The spirit of Samanyanga has been roaming in the Zimbabwean music sphere, searching for a physique where it can rest on, and it seems it has finally manifested on TK Zamar.

His musical dexterity — though gospel as opposed to Tuku Music — has convinced many that Zamar is the heir to the Tuku throne.

Others have not been so kind as they accuse Zamar of being a copycat.

The gospel sensation is unmoved by the snide remarks.

Actually, he welcomes the criticism.

“Critics will always be there and I don’t have a problem in dealing with them. I actually love criticism because it’s a learning curve.

“We were only told at school that copying is wrong. Besides even if I copy Tuku, that will be great because in life if you want to make it you better take something from somebody,” said TK Zamar from his base in Johannesburg, South Africa.

To give answers to those who judge and criticise him, The Worship Addict (as TK Zamar is known), has penned a song titled Zvinoda Nyasha (It needs Grace).

Funny enough the song uses the Zimbabwean sound called Katekwe (often mistaken for Tuku Music). Katekwe music is “a Zimbabwean traditional sound greatly influenced by the rhythm of mbira”.

In composing the song, TK Zamar worked closely with some of Africa’s great instrumentalists, including Sabu Satsha (drums), Bheka Mthethwa (bass player and producer), Trust Samende from Mokoomba, Frank Mavimire, Lebo Morolo and Spirit Fingers (current Joyous Celebration producer).

In interpreting the meaning of the song (Zvinoda Nyasha) TK Zamar said: “Too many life lessons gave me the reason to pen the song. I have a lot of people asking me how come you are successful yet you are not that great of a singer, so this song is a response to that.

“I acknowledge my inabilities in music, but life is not all about greatness and gift, it’s about the Grace of God. When Grace locates you, it doesn’t matter your shortcomings, if you are chosen, God lifts you up,” said TK Zamar.

He acknowledges the legendary Mtukudzi as a doyen who played a pivotal role in influencing his type of music.

However, he denies he is doing Tuku Music.

“I do acknow-ledge our late legend Dr Tuku, him and the likes of Lovemore Majaivana are great people who inspired us when we were growing up, but the sound that I do is not that of Tuku. Of course a lay man can call it Tuku Music because he was a legend, but he simply popularised it.

“When I was studying at the College of Music, we were taught it’s called the Katekwe and it’s our Zimbabwean music sound. I am Zimbabwean and I am not ashamed of exporting our musical culture because it’s also my heritage too,” said TK Zamar.

When Zamar signed with multi-award winning gospel outfit Joyous Celebration in 2015, his introductory song Kuregerera In Advance, had many thinking it was Tuku behind the microphone.

Meanwhile, TK Zamar revealed that several singles will be released as follow ups to Zvinoda Nyasha.

“The market demands singles because people are now consuming online and it makes economic sense,” he said.

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