Alexio Kawara

Alexio Kawara (born 28 November 1978) is a Zimbabwean contemporary Afro-fusion^[1] musician and lead member of the band Shades of Black. He has made five studio albums, won several national music awards and has constantly featured in the biggest music concerts in the country.^[2] One of the artists who uses mbira instrument in his music.^[3] In 2010 he became an ambassador for the US HIV testing program in Zimbabwe.^[4] Since 2014 he has taken an active part in human rights activism.

Early life and education

Alexio Kawara was born in Harare's Glen Norah suburb,^[5] Zimbabwe in a family of five children, who all became musicians. He attended a local school, Shiriyedenga Primary from 1985 to 1991 and then enrolled at Mazowe Boys High School in 1991–1995, following Vainona High School.^[6]

Music career

In school he was a key member of the school choir, keeping this as a secret from his parents. At Mazowe High, Kawara became friends with Zivanai Masango, who played with Thomas Mapfumo, and Zimbabwe Republic Police Band member Watson Chimombe. Together with Joel Zamani, they formed a gospel outfit Black by Nature when they left Mazowe High. After the group disbanded, together with other musicians he formed a group called Guess which attracted the attention of an influential Zimbabwean songwriter, singer and producer Delani Makhalima. Under his watch, Alexio wrote and put his vocals on the Amai song, which was released on a compilation CD in 2000. In 2003 Kahara released his debut album Usazondisiya (Don't Leave Me), which had hit songs like Kumvba Kwenyu (Your Home) and Ndinomhanya.^[7]

In 2004 Rwiyo Rwangu (My Song) became an instant hit, carried by another one, Chibvugubvugu. After that he released a few more albums which included his biggest hits Shaina (Shine), Karwiyo Aka, Nyaya Yerudo. For his albums he collaborated with artists like Andy Brown, Clive 'Mono' Mkundu, Newman Chipeni and Philip Svosve of the late James Chimombe's Ocean City Band.

Backed by Shades of Black band, Alexio has appeared with local and international singers including Mafikizolo, Zahara, Jah Prayzah, Oliver Mtukudzi.^[8]

Discography

Albums

• Usazondisiya (2003)
• Kumba Kwenyu (2004)
• Pfimbi Yangu
• Kana
• Tose (2011)^[9]

Awards

• 2006 Zimbabwe Music Awards (ZIMA) – best male urban groove award
• 2006 ZIMA – Song of the year (Tinodanana)
• 2007 National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) – Outstanding Album(pfimbi yangu)
• 2008 ZIMA – Song of the year for Shaina and 2nd position for videos of the year
• 2011 Victors Awards –The Most Promising Musician.

Human rights activism

In 2014 Alexio joined with the US musician Wil Seabrook and the band Rock For Human Rights on nationwide American tours to raise awareness on human rights.^[10]

References