By Arts Correspondent
ZIM – SA based Afro-Jazz artist Precious Hanya has urged local musicians to be original, courageous as well as to stop copying foreigners, while he also advises Zimbabweans to support and accommodate local talent.
Hanya implored local artists to invent themselves and not be copycats.
“Singers should have a sense of originality, must not be afraid to express themselves as who they are because you can never copy someone and be as good as them but you can be the best of you,’’ he encouraged.
He also took a swipe at the locals for despising home-grown talent
“Zimbabwean music lovers accommodate outside talent more than our own, we should not compare artistes, but appreciate them as they are and help them to become the best,” added Hanya.
The Afro-Jazz artiste told this publication that he is a unique artist who is hoping to give listeners an alternative while admiring those who are earning a living through music.
“I admire all artists who have managed to make their art a source of their livelihood, but as an individual, I want to create my brand and I don’t want to be like anyone or do what someone has done,” he claimed.
The 38-year-old electrician-cum-musician , Hanya was born and bred in Chitungwiza where he discovered his talent during his primary school.
“I attended Seke 5 Primary school where the musical journey began when I joined the percussion band, later went to Zengeza 1 high where I was also a member of the school choir.
“I am a musician by calling doing music as part-time and I did my debut album with 6 tracks in 2006 entitled ‘The Beginning’ while the new offering is called ‘The Return’ which was produced by Mono Mkundu,”.
On his new album, Precious Hanya collaborated with Derick Mpofu who is popularly known for his track called Chisikana Changu Zimbabwe and is currently working on the videos.