Zimbabwe has produced a number of international music stars but the rise of reggae icon Herman Chimusoro, has taken the country’s arts sector to another level.

Herman Chimusoro

Through his outstanding albums that include Diziro Rangu (My Refuge), Crossing the Line and Zim Praise Volumes 1, 2 and 3, Chimusoro has curved a spectacular niche on the gospel scene.

Although he spends most of his time in the United States where he stages a number of shows, the musician has also stole the hearts of many music lovers back home while he has also remarkably penetrated markets in other countries across the globe.

He has toured Africa extensively and recently he travelled to Kenya where he reportedly wowed crowds with spectacular shows. A live DVD of the Kenya shows is expected soon.

Chimusoro has a team of experts in his band as most of the instrumentalists have worked with renowned musicians in the country.

Some of the experienced members who have worked with the group include Clive ‘Bobby’ Mutyasira, Mono Mukundu and Sam Mataure who have all travelled extensively with Zimbabwe’s superstar Oliver Mtukudzi.

Chimusoro says experience and expertise makes the group tick.

Talent Tsatsa caught up with the musician and held the following one-one-one interview.

Herman Chimusoro: Mainly Ohio State and cities like Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland.

TT: Do u use a Zim or US band?

HC: I usually use a Zim band because I want to maintain the Zim feel to my reggae. However when we are in the USA we have Americans who are members of our band and they come in with additional Instruments. The main instruments that maintain the roots reggae feel are handled by the Africans.

TT: How big is the band?

HC: we have a crew of 14 that travels regularly and that includes 6 cameramen, 2 engineers, 1 video editor.

TT: When was the last time u held a show and where was it?

HC: we just recorded a live DVD in Kenya Nairobi in November. Then I was in the USA in December where I played three times.

TT: Which other countries have you toured?

HC: United Kingdom, Belgium, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Barbados, Trinidad (Tobago), Canada.

TT: How many albums do u have?

HC: I have seven and they are crossing the Line, Worship Practice, Diziro Rangu (My Refuge), Reggae Praise 1, Reggae Praise 2, Reggae Praise 3 and coming out soon is a DVD titled Live in Kenya.

TT: Where did u get the reggae inspiration?

HC: At school I listened and danced to a lot of reggae. When Zim got independence Bob Marley came and that added a closer attachment to the genre. Christian fari, Lucky Dube and the desire to reach people with music that has its roots in Africa.

TT: When is your next show and where?

HC: We are bound to go to Sweden and Italy then the USA by the month of April.

TT: When are you going to stage a show in Zim?

HC: we have a live DVD recording in February at The 7Arts Theatre in Avondale and we are planning on other venues in Harare before we leave for the overseas tour.

TT: Any parting words to your fans?

HC: I would like to thank you so much for the support. Please visit my website: www.crosslinemissions.com to download videos and some songs. Also if you want to purchase the music online you can go to itunes.com. It has been great having such support and may God bless you.

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