Yesteryear singer — Mateo — is set to perform at Jacaranda Music Festival scheduled for Old Hararians Sports Club from 6 to 8 October 2023. Mateo whose real name is Matthew Kawunda is one of the over 30 artists billed to perform at the festival, but Mateo deserves a special mention. The Domboshawa-based singer left the music scene 15 years ago and never to return. Mateo’s first shot at stardom was when he joined the talent search show, StarBrite in 1993 and although he did not win that edition of the talent search show, Mateo curved his way into the showbiz.
It was at StarBrite where he met the legendary dub poet, Albert Nyathi who would be instrumental in his choice of music genre. As a young man living in post-war Zimbabwe, Mateo’s taste of music was influenced by foreign musicians and music styles. But with Zimbabwe in desperate need of young artists that resonated with the local community, Mateo would soon change sounds and even attempted writing Shona lyrics. With Nyathi, Mateo made a cameo appearance in 1994 hit song, Senzeni Na? But it was not until 1996 that Mateo got his major break on the music scene. His German producer, known as Baba Dee a talented artist offered to record him. Baba Dee produced the song Watoda Rugare, a reflection on Mateo’s life. Indeed, Watoda Rugare took Mateo eight months to record, as the duo sought to create a perfect product. As fate would have it, Watoda Rugare went on to become one of his first successful projects, attracting interest from local DJs. The year 1997 brought more success to Mateo with the album, Washayei. At this time, Mateo was not signed to any recording label. Despite the rocky path, Mateo struck gold with the album Asambe Africa, an album which saw him delving into Afro music. Pamuhacha and Asambe Africa were outstanding hits from the album, enjoying massive airplay. In no time, Mateo became a household name.
Other artists set to perform on the opening day are Those Guys, Chiweddar DJ, Jason Le Roux, Murumba Pitch, Daliwonga, Manex Motsi and Tamy Moyo. On October 7, South Africa’s Black Motion and Ladysmith Black Mambazo will share the stage with Sylent Nqo, King Her, EXQ, Nicholarzw, Mateo and Dino Mudondo. South African jazz and Afro-pop singer Judith Sephuma, Vuyo Brown, Alexio Kawara, Gary Tight and Ammara Brown are also billed to perform.
Tickets for the event are already on sale, with the early birds paying US$40 for a two-day pass. Thereafter, festival goers will have to fork out as much as US$30 for a day pass.
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