Kunonga’s music: An explosive expression of humanity and creativity

THEY say music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything. And when you listen to Victor Kunonga’s music and his creativity one can argue that, Greek philosopher, Plato might have had Kunonga in mind. His music touches many, it speaks in emotions, it’s an explosive expression of humanity. He speaks to The Financial Gazette about his 17-year journey, plans and advise to upcoming artists.

“I would like to thank my fans for all the support over the years. They have remained true and some have become advocates for the VK brand, which I appreciate very much.”

Q) You have stood the test of time 17 years in the industry, very few people not only in Zimbabwe but globally has achieved such feat. What do you attribute this to?
A) I will admit that I am not the most consistent musician in Zimbabwe. I have just been fortunate that in times of the silence, perhaps the fans were able to stick by me and continue to do so to date. Indeed it has been 17 years of a difficult run and its nowhere near the end because I have more than plenty in store. Then again, the ultimate trick to longevity is being true to one self by being original and homegrown as there are a few who are able to be in that space and hence, I find myself outstanding in this regard. Only five albums have sustained may career in 17 years. A bad record in terms of production numbers but a good record in terms of sustenance.
Q) Along the way you must have won a number of awards, which ones are close to your heart and why?
A) In fact, I have won an award and never have tried to enter any. I am a believer in winning the hearts of the people as opposed to entering or submitting work for awards because judgements are subject to a few people and their opinions. I’d rather have an honorary one based on the music that I produce which moves people and builds communities. Note: I didn’t submit my work for the award I won, a friend of mine did.
Q) You have shared the stage with several international artists would you like to name them?
A) I have shared the stage with a few, namely Hugh Masekela, Oliver Mtukudzi, Kenya’s Nyatiti, Isabella Novella, Sandra Nankoma, Vitali Maembe and many more. The best interaction was with Hugh Masekela as we got to work of an interesting project together and we became very good friends, thereafter.
Q) Which local artist would you be grateful to collaborate with? And of those who have left us who would you have loved to be in the studio with?
A) I have many local artist I have already had collaborations with and would wish to have many more on the list. I would wish to collaborate with all known names as well because I have featured the less known names in my previous albums, e.g Norman Masamba, Nyamasvisva, Sharon Chisha, Lucky Chikuwa and more. The known names is like to try something with being the likes of XQ, Winky D, Jah Prayzer, Wenyasha, Pastar G, Feli Nandi, Mwenje Matola Gemma, Mai TT whom I think has a good voice just to name a few. Of the ones who left us, I learnt a lesson that you can buy time as I was due to produce an album for Hugh Masekela and Oliver Mtukudzi. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be.
Q) What about international artists?
A) This would surely be a wish list. I am diverse and any opportunity with any international artist regardless of whatever genre would be magic.

Q) How have you survived without any recording deal?
A) It has been difficult but I feel it is time to pursue one because the day to day demands of the industry have become strenuous. I would gladly accept one on good terms in order to focus on that which I do best, being creative.

Victor Kunonga has stood the taste of time

Q) I understand you are a certified designer and majored in graphics. Tell us more about this?
A) I am a graduate of Art School at the Bulawayo polytechnic and worked in the advertising industry for some years. In fact one of the stimulants to being a musician was being involved in jingle production during that period. I worked on a good portfolio of clients then, the likes of FBC, Radar, TV Sales, Dulux, Olivine and a lot more.
Q) I understand you were born in Shurugwi and grew up in Hwedza before your family relocated to Bulawayo. Growing up did you always want to be a musician?
A) Let me set the record straight on this one. My family is from Wedza which is where my Father was born and grew up. Wedza ndokumusha kwangu kwandinoti Kwedu. My mother is from Masvingo kwa Chivi where she was during the period she was pregnant with me. The closest Clinic to Chivi at the time happened to be in Shurungwi and that’s why I was born in Shurugwi. All this while, my father was already living and working in Bulawayo where they still reside to date. I never really knew what I wanted to be growing up. I knew of my artistic talents at a young age though as I found drawing, acting and playing ngoma came naturally for me. I pursued my artistic talents when I was much older because I tended to excel at these activities, Playing Ngoma (Drums) at St Margarets primary in Wedza, singing as a 5 member group in Grade 6 at Hugh Beadle Primary and playing Marimba at Northlea high school in Bulawayo.
Q) Are you working on any song or album at the moment, if so when can we expect a new album from you?
A) I think this will be one of the most exciting phases of my career. I have a song called ‘Ngizongena’ out and very popular with fans and will be releasing a couple more in line with the compilation strategy for the album “Induna”. It is definitely an exciting project and I look forward to its completion.

Q) What advise can you give to an up-and-coming musician?
A) It’s a journey and enjoy the ride, however the journey has curves, turns, some sharp and some smooth. It is all in how one handles each stage of the journey and mind you, it’s a lifetime one.
Q) Looking back at your journey is there anything you feel or think could have done differently?
A) There are a lot of things I could have done differently. I realised I am a perfectionist in painting a picture the way I perceive it and unfortunately that takes a lot of effort and time. I need to produce more music without analysing too much on its outcome. The times when the chips were down, I should have continued regardless because that left a void where I lost an audience because of little activity.

Q) And if you were to do one thing again in the music industry, what would it be?
A) To travel again to showcase what Zimbabwe is about in terms of music
Q) Any words to your fans and support base?
A) I would like to thank my fans for all the support over the years. They have remained true and some have become advocates for the VK brand, which I appreciate very much. Tinotenda Makatirera.