SYDNEY MUBAIWA
ZAKA- Upcoming artist, Marshal Farirepi, a lead singer of Ochestra Zaka Kings is making waves in Zimbabwe’s music industry after releasing two albums and three single tracks.
In an interview with The Midweek Watch, Farirepi said he was influenced by legendary musicians like the late Simon ‘Chopper’ Chimbetu, Naison Chimbetu, Brian Chimbetu, Allan Chimbetu and Sulumani Chimbetu.
He said his music journey started in 2020 with his first album ‘Mavambo’.
“Marshal Farirepi is a member of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) stationed at Herbert Chitepo Barracks, 3 Brigade in Mutare.
“Born on 14 October 1989 in Masvingo’s Zaka district under Chief Nhema, my passion for music was ignited at a very tender age. I got influenced by Sungura legendary musicians like Chimbetu brothers.
“I released my first album in 2020 called ‘Mavambo’ and later released ‘Desert’ and three other single tracks,” he said.
He said his band consists of Munyaradzi Gombe, Augastine Malunga, Brian Mavhovho, Calvin Wedzerai, Admire Farirepi and Joseph Makiwa.
“I stay in Mutare where I work. Having started this music journey in 2020, I released Mavambo, an album with songs like ‘ Hapana Asina Wake’, ‘ Kwademoyo’, Moyo wekubereka’, and Gamba.
“In 2021, I released two single tracks which are ‘Moyo wakaipa ‘ and Shinga. In 2022, I also released two other tracks which are ‘ Sando kuma teacher and ‘Kunyombana Kwete’.
“In 2023, I released ‘Desert ‘ album which has songs like ‘ murder ‘, ‘hope’, ‘Gwenga’ and ‘Rwendo’.
“The band is currently male dominated, I don’t have females but I don’t have a challenge in having female members joining our team,” he said.
“I want to give special thanks to my fans ,Honest Mutasa, Brighton Madungwe, Musa Gundogun, Kanjokota, Tendai Mushaninga, Christopher Chitsumba and Ashley Rambai”, he added.
The sungura artist cited a lack of funds to purchase full music equipment as a major challenge, advising fellow artists to persevere in the cut throat industry.
“To other artists, I say let’s push our work, one day we will make it through this music industry,” he said.
