Greedysouth Interviews Alexio Kawara

"I never thought I'd make it in the music industry," says Alexio. "I guess the fact that I've landed in this position where I can claim to be a professional musician is nothing short of destiny. To be honest, I didn't envisage a full-time life behind the mic, Like anyone else with determination, talent and voice I dreamed of being a recorded artist, believe me when I say it was no stroll in the park, back then Zimbabwe only had so many recording studios and back then they were not open to my style of music, instead they were slanted towards the locally brewed Sungura music."

Alexio started hunting for a record deal in 1998 but to no avail. All efforts were in vain, unfortunately for him like many successful artists out there, the road to fame was no Christmas. No record deal, no unsigned hype Alexio was on the brink of giving up when he teamed up with a couple of friends to form the group ?uess. Things did not shape up till they met Delani Makhalima, best described as an urban music enthusiast, one of the patriarchs of modern music beats in Zimbabwe. He showed off his skills on ?uess debut Album by writing the song Amai back in 2000 which went on to be one of the best local urban contemporary songs in the history of music in Zimbabwe surpassing the levels which had been set by the legendary duo Kelvin and Muzi on their song Tombofara! (well maybe most of you weren't born back then )


Alexio, thanks for passing through and making this interview happen my man. Without wasting much of your time, in your own words, tell us briefly who is Alexio Kawara?

I’m 33, fourth born in a family of 5, all of my siblings are artists and I represent the musical sector of art in my family. I’m also one of the leading voices of our generation with four albums with 6 number one hits and four music awards.

Four Awards!! That's huge my man, mind telling us what they were for (videos or audio) and from whom (categories, etc)

2006 ZIMA - Best Male Urban Grooves award
2006 ZIMA - Song Of The Year (Tinodanana)
2007 NAMA - Outstanding Album(Pfimbi Yangu)
2007NAMA - Outstanding song(Tinodanana)

So what kind of music do you make? Is it digital or Accousting and do you play any instruments? If digital who does your production, if it's live/acoustic who plays the instruments..do you have a band?

It’s a combination of both, the drums are programmed and all other instruments are recorded live in the studio. I’ve worked with several producers since I started Flash Gordon, Macdee, Delani Makhalima, Jairos Hambahamba, and Clive Mono Mukundu only to mention a few. Yes, I have a band called Shades Black, which consists of 6 members(Eddie bass(bass Guitarist, Dragon lead guitarist, Isa Chida drummer, Corny Muponda keyboardist, Bella Charlie backing vocalist and Roy Zuka sound engineer), We’ve been together as for just over a year, we are still to do our first recording together as Shades of Black.

Which Record label are you signed to

I’m signed to Alexio Entertainment my own record label

How and when did you get started, what made you decide on jumping into the music business. What motives and what motivates you to keep going?

I started in 1998 but I was taking music as a part-time profession then. I did my debut single in 2000 with the group ?uess, I wouldn’t say I decided to jump into the music business, everything sort of just like fell in place, my natural love for music motivated me to start recording and it also motivates me to keep going.

Is music your sole source of livelihood or there are other projects/career

In the meantime, yes. Soon I’m planning to get advertising and merchandising.

Briefly, what challenges are u facing as a Musician in Zim?

The Industry is not Artist friendly there’s a lot of stuff which needs to be corrected from the production houses down to the consumer

What things do you look forward to as a musician in Zim?

Looking forward to a brighter and better future just like any other musician all over the world.

Do you think social networks like Facebook and Twitter are playing a positive role to reach out to your fan?. In what way are you using them to advance your career/ to your advantage

They are playing an immense role because, on my fan page on Facebook, I can communicate with fans, using their insights I can understand my fans' demographics and most importantly advertise my shows and my fans can RSVP if they are attending and it's all for free.

For bookings and private shows, how can people get in contact with you man?

I have a website which is almost done but in the meantime, they can contact my manager Don Gwese on his cell; 071228417

Any advice to upcoming musicians

Perseverance outlasts persecution keep working hard and you’ll make it.

What do you think about the state of Zim's music industry?

It still needs a lot of work. There’s so much talent in Zim but very little support for it and also people need to appreciate the music enough not to buy pirated copies.

What do u think bout the state of local radio and t.v

I think they are doing their best given the fact that we are just coming out of a phase of economic challenges.

What can Alexio fans expect in 2010 and the near future? 

Better music, better performances, tours abroad and maybe a fifth
album.

Any last words or any news you would like to share before we conclude

I want to thank my fans all over the world for their constant support and most importantly I want to thank God for giving me the talent. That’s all man.