Norman Dururu
GWERU – After more than a decade of quiet reflection, reinvention and distance from the spotlight, sungura music icon Ronnie Mudhindo has triumphantly returned to the heartbeat of Zimbabwean music.
The revered former Utakataka Express bass guitarist and his seasoned outfit, Orchestra Vazvamburi, have re-emerged with a vibrant seven-track album that signals both a homecoming and a bold leap into new territory.
Titled Zvambu Technology, the album is a rich, experimental tapestry that stretches beyond traditional sungura, weaving together three sungura tracks with doses of afro, dancehall and amapiano.
The project also shines through collaborative sparks, featuring two songs alongside fellow music luminaries Peter Moyo and Solo Moyo.
Explaining the inspiration behind the album’s title, Mudhindo said Zvambu Technology reflects the creative fusion of styles that define the project.
“We decided to think outside the box,” he said.
“Sungura has been left mostly to diehard fans, so we wanted to expand our market and lure the new generation that has been drifting away from the genre.”
He added that the album is a statement of versatility, proving that sungura guitars can speak fluently across musical languages.
“We want young people to see that we can also play the genres they love, without abandoning our roots.”
Mudhindo revealed that before fully embracing sungura, he had explored other genres such as reggae.
“I grew up playing different styles, but once we learnt the guitar properly, we ventured fully into sungura,” he said.
Love is the beating heart of Zvambu Technology.
Sungura tracks Ndinopfunyaira, and Kana Wamuda celebrate romance in classic Vazvamburi fashion, while Zimhofu Zigurguru is a shout out to his totem.
Afro-inspired offerings Pemberera, a wedding anthem, and Mudiwa Wangu bring warmth and melody, while Vabereki ventures into dancehall territory.
The album rounds off with Heavy Heavy, a bold amapiano experiment.
The collaborative tracks Vazvamburi Vauya featuring Peter Moyo and Vehwutsinye with Solo Moyo further enrich the album’s texture, blending legacy and innovation.
Mudhindo said snippets shared online have ignited fan enthusiasm.
“People are receiving it well. At our live shows, we perform some of the songs and fans are already singing along, even though the album hasn’t been launched yet.”
Produced by Danny Pearls of Quality Studios, Zvambu Technology is now complete, with the band putting final touches on music videos.
The official album launch is pencilled in for late January or the beginning of February at a venue to be advised.
Mudhindo, who last released music in 2013 and spent eight of those years living in South Africa, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the reception he has received since returning.
“We are back, and the fans have welcomed us warmly. In fact, they have increased,” he said.