Zimbabwean musician to launch autobiography

NewsDay entertainment news editor Phillip Chidavaenzi and Simba Mudokwani edited the book. Its foreword was written by Joyce Jenje-Makwenda – a well-known Zimbabwean researcher, author, producer and ethnomusicologist.

Mono Mukundu: Following the Melody is the producer’s first book, which he began writing in 2009. Mukundu, who is best known in music circles as ‘Mono’, broke the news on Facebook. “I’ve finally answered the call, the requests have been coming since I joined Facebook, for me to write a book,” he said.  “I’m finally going to release my first book, in fact I was writing in secret since 2009. Special thanks to Blessing Vava who gave me some crucial tips on writing memoirs back in 2009.”

Speaking to Music In Africa, the 46-year-old Mukundu said the book was a no-holds-barred account of the high and low points of his career. “In the book I document all achievements and all mistakes and failures without sugar-coating them. This will also be exposing the bad side of the music industry that many artists try to hide.”

“Growing up I had a writing culture – every evening I would document all daily activities. That’s why in the book I have the actual dates of many important events.”

Mukundu said the book would help artists to circumvent some of his mistakes. “So after exposing mistakes that I made, I then explain how a new artist can avoid such mistakes. I also hope this book will inspire fellow artists to document and write their stuff. We should be having books and documentaries about the likes of Mukadota, Chibadura, Chimombe.”

Music In Africa also spoke to Vava, an established Zimbabwean journalist who has worked with several musicians such as Munya Mataruse, Thomas Mapfumo and Jeys Marabini. Vava said autobiographies were significant for artists. 

“They are important insofar as protecting the legacy of artists,” Vava said. “It helps in marketing the work of the artist and is also an inspiration for future generations. It is also not limited to providing an insight into the life and work of musicians; it adds to the knowledge in understanding the Zim music industry.”

Mukundu has featured on more than 700 local and international albums. He has worked with bands such as John Ali and Marakashi, Kwasa Kwasa Kings, Egea Gospel Train, Christian Life Centre Band and Black Spirits. Mukundu formed Sarungano Chanters when he was just 17 years old. He launched his solo career in 2007 and produced several hits by top artists, including a collaboration between Jah Prayzah and Jamaican reggae artist Luciano on a song called ‘Roots’.

The Zimbabwe College of Music book launch is free to the public.