…bemoans economic challenges
Trust Khos, Assistant News Editor
CLIVE “Mono” Mukundu has released his ninth compilation album featuring new and seasoned artistes titled Anotha Brick 9.
The 49-year-old, who owns Monolio Studios in Hatfield, said he had a busy 2019 season working with both seasoned and new artistes.
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As has become the norm, Mono releases a compilation of the artistes he worked with.
And last year, he opted to compile the best voices he worked with in the project Anotha Brick 9 and he is now looking forward into the new season.
The latest compilation album’s opener – Tariro – was penned by Ashton “Mbeu” Nyahora who was recently crowned Musician of the Year at the Norton Achievers Awards ceremony.
UK based gospel diva Jane Doka also passed through Mono’s groove garage where she recorded a spiritually uplifting song, Plan.
The third and refreshing song – R.I.P – was done by South Africa based reggae artiste Bongo Riot who is doing well across the Limpopo.
UK based sungura outfit Kambo Boys, who sing in both English and Shona, contributed the song Chihera.
The song, which has an accompanying video starring poet and events management personality Trish The Word, has propelled the outfit to prominence.
New-comer Chipo Muchegwa contributed the song Handiende, originally penned by Stephen “Dhongi” Makoni.
Two more new-comers – Tafadzwa Matiure and Rati Mpeswe – contributed beautiful songs namely Simuka and Mabiko respectively.
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Radio personality and seasoned diva Patience Musa showed her faith in Mono when she recorded the song Vanonyepa at Monolio Studios.
Versatile crooner Dereck Mpofu showed his loyalty to Mono when he recorded his single titled Ancestor at the former Black Spirits member’s most sought after studio.
Not to be outdone is rejuvenated Zim dancehall star Tocky Vibes who sought guidance from Mono where he recorded the song, Don’t Talk.
Tumbuka Dance Company member Mcintosh Jerahuni showed that he was more than a dancer as he recorded the song Vanoti Kunoedza which has been included in the compilation project.
Klara Wojtkowska’s track Violin Love, Eve Kawadza’s Ndozvandiri, Baba Taps’ Kupengereka, Chihuri Girls’ Hupenyu Hwangu and Studio Blunders make the album complete.
In an interview, Mono said he had an eventful 2019 despite the economic challenges they faced.
“It was indeed a busy year but we were not spared by the economic challenges,” he said.
Mono, who has worked with both hotheads and level-headed artistes over the years, said poor artistes were at the receiving end.
“To be honest, some of the talented artistes in the ghetto to remote areas are failing to raise studio fees as compared to their counterparts who can afford studio fees.
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“This has made it very difficult for us to record exceptional artistes but at Monolio Studios we are glad with the calibre of artistes we are recording,” he said.
Unlike most studios where producers prefer working in good faith, Mono thinks otherwise.
“At Monolio Studios everything is done in black and white and we insist that payment be made first before recordings.
“If an artiste comes late without an explanation, we fine them,” he added.
Mono who started recording in 2002 now boasts of more than 18 years in the game.
He started off at Ngaavongwe Records before he started his own stable in 2007 to date.
As an independent producer, he now has 13 years in the game.
– HMETRO
