Zim’s Mono Mukundu to launch book, DVD and album

Mukundu will also use the occasion to celebrate 30 years in the music industry. The veteran artist is a widely celebrated producer who has worked with Zimbabwean greats Oliver 'Tuku' Mtukudzi, Alick Macheso and the late Tongai Dhewa.

“I am 47 years right now, the journey had its fair share of ups and downs,” Mukundu told Music In Africa. “With the current economic climate, the downs are many.”

He said the economic challenges in the country had given rise to dancehall music by young artists. “They are running in their own lane so they won’t disturb anybody,” he said. “Dancehall has provided employment to a lot of young people who are now entertainers, producers and dancers, so it's a good thing in that regard.”

Launch of Poor & Famous

Mukundu will unveil his second book Poor & Famous following the launch of his debut autobiography Mono Mukundu: Following the Melody in April last year,

“It’s basically a book of answers. I asked my fans on Facebook to post questions concerning the Zimbabwean music industry, so I responded. But it mainly touches on the struggles that we face as Zimbabwean musicians. We are famous but poor,” he said.

Mukundu said Poor & Famous was somewhat related to his autobiography in that both books spoke about music.

“Musicians, fans and arts journalists will benefit a lot because it addresses the day-to-day issues of the music industry.”

Mukundu, whose fingerprints are visible on the works of many Zimbabwean artists, said he was working with publishers in the US so that his new book could be available online. Poor & Famous was edited by Zimbabwean editors Philip Chidavaenzi and Bernadette Mari Deve.

New album

Acoustic Re-visit is an eight-track offering that features songs such as ‘Zivai Zvekuchema’, ‘Kugarira Maoko’, ‘Mushonga’, ‘Jean’, ‘Jambwa’ and ‘Wife Material’.

“I just decided to revisit some of my old songs and play them unplugged to hear how it sounds. It’s very different and nice,” he said. “I wrote and produced the songs. I featured Tuku, Alexio Kawara, Prudence Mbofana and Mathias from Mokoomba,” Mukundu, who is credited on more than 700 local and international albums, said.

Zimbabwean Guitar Tutorials

Mukundu said his new DVD featured eight lessons on Zimbabwean guitar styles and would be the first of its kind in the country. “I noticed online that there is not even a single thing such as this on Zim guitar so I decided to be the one to start it.”

The triple launch starts at 6.30pm tomorrow.