Alexio Kawara

Alexio Kawara
Born (1978-11-28) 28 November 1978
Glen Norah, Harare, Zimbabwe
Nationality Zimbabwe
Occupation Musician

Musical career

Genres Afro-fusion
Labels Alexio Entertainment

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 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 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

Awards

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

  1. ↑ "Alexio Kawara drops new single". The Standard. Retrieved 2016-04-22.
  2. ↑ eMinor. "Alexio Kawara | R&B/Soul from Harare, ZW". ReverbNation. Retrieved 2016-04-22.
  3. ↑ Reporter, Staff (29 February 2016). "The irony of mbira instrument". Southern Times Africa. Retrieved 2016-04-22.
  4. ↑ http://www.washingtontimes.com, The Washington Times. "US launches HIV testing program in Zimbabwe". The Washingtion Times. Retrieved 2016-04-22.
  5. ↑ "Alexio releases love song | The Herald". www.herald.co.zw. Retrieved 2016-04-22.
  6. ↑ "The Truth About: Alexio Kawara". www.newzimbabwe.com. Retrieved 2016-04-22.
  7. ↑ Guchu, Wonder (15 September 2011). "Intimacy with Zim musicians: Alexio Kawara's – the boy from Glen Norah". Intimacy with Zim musicians. Retrieved 2016-04-22.
  8. ↑ "Alexio releases love song | The Herald". www.herald.co.zw. Retrieved 2016-04-22.
  9. ↑ "Alexio Kawara – Pindula". www.pindula.co.zw. Retrieved 2016-04-22.
  10. ↑ "Alexio Kawara sings human rights in US". www.newzimbabwe.com. Retrieved 2016-04-22.
This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Sunday, April 24, 2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.