By Ronnie Chisamba
A 26-year-old upcoming Zimdancehall artiste is fast gaining popularity on social media with his yet to be officially launched single – Pamba pano. Affectionately known as Dancehall Keddah by his peers and followers, Edward Terence Cheza (26) is surprised by the attention his track is getting on YouTube and other social media platforms.
Translated, Pamba pano (Shona terms) literally means at this residence.T he video for the song was released late last year on YouTube. At the time of going to print the video had over 500 views. The Shona song brings to light some of the challenges that are faced by unemployed youths who are still in the care of their parents after leaving school. The burdens of the youths, are further worsened by friends whose presence, unknowingly causes friction by breaking the residence’s ground rules amid social and economic woes.
Born in Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, on the 14th of June 1993, Keddah grew up in Glen View. The former Lochinvar Primary and Prince Edward High School student points out that he comes from a musical family.
“l remember my dad used to play this homemade guitar when l was young. Even to this very day he is passionate about music and like my wife and the rest of my family he has been supportive in my music career. I also remember during my days at Prince Edward School that all students were required to do something during the lunch break. As a result, l always preferred the music class,” added Keddah during a recent interview.
Keddah launched his professional music career in 2016. He laments that the road to success is crippled by a myriad of challenges, chief among them being lack of publicity and recognition from stakeholders such as promoters.
“In Zimbabwe prominent promoters are not willing to take a chance with upcoming musicians. This results in upcoming artistes being denied the recognition that they need to succeed,” the young musician said.
The artist said he is a product of the Zimbabwe School of Music and Music Crossroads Academy. He holds a national certificate in ethnic music and a diploma in transcribing music. The qualifications have enabled him to compose and produce his own music.