Rooted in Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage, Seasons GEM is carving out a distinctive space in the music landscape with a sound that celebrates identity, memory, and innovation.

To gain deeper insight into the group’s creative journey, vision, and unique approach to music-making, My Afrika Magazine reporter Ronald Gwatidzo (RG) had an opportunity to chat with the band.

RG: Briefly tell us what Seasons Gem is all about?
SG: Seasons GEM is a Zimbabwean music band that strives to make music that has a unique Zimbabwean sound. The band is a heritage-inspired ensemble that bridges the past, present, and our imagined future through sound. Our approach to music-making is akin to building a living archive—an ongoing process of selection, preservation, and transformation. Each piece we create is a reflection of what we choose to carry forward and what we leave behind (a gem that is precious and lives long).

RG: Let’s talk about your genre or sound; how did that come about?
SG: I prefer to describe our music simply as Zimbabwean music, with the hybrid Nyunganyunga mbira serving as one of its foundational instruments. After acquiring my own set of mbira (lead: nheketo; rhythm: duriro; bass: nhovapasi), I reached out to my colleagues from university and suggested we form a band and start making music together. We were all familiar with Zimbabwean traditional instruments, which formed the foundation of our sound and musical identity.

RG: The Zimbabwean market is being flooded with ZimDancehall, and it’s taking over. How has it been for you penetrating the Zim audience?
SG: Because our music is inspired by everyday life, it resonates with a wide range of people, and the response from audiences has been very encouraging. As an emerging band, we recognize that there is still significant potential to grow our audience and expand our support base, both within Zimbabwe and beyond its borders.

RG: What can you say keeps the group going?
SG: We are still young, ambitious, talented, and believe in the work we do.

RG: Let’s talk about your recent album Zvanza Zvinogezana. What does it embody, and what is it all about?
SG: Our album Zvanza Zvinogezana embodies themes of cooperation and mutual support, illustrating how collaboration fosters success. In times of adversity, we find strength in unity, reinforcing the idea that collective resilience is the key to endurance and growth.

RG: What do you think has been the most memorable experience for you as a group and why?
SG: Our first day in the studio recording our track Zimbabwe Yakanaka. It was flawless, and I loved how we worked together.

RG: If someone were to award you one thing on Seasons Gems’ wish list, what would you ask for?
SG: An opportunity to be on a global stage and help sell the brand Zimbabwe.

RG: Where do you envision Seasons Gem in the next 5 years or decade?
SG: As a band, rocking the international showbiz scene. We believe in our work and what it can do.

RG: Your words of encouragement to fellow music groups, artists, and fans?
SG: Let’s put our nation first, believe in ourselves as a people, love each other, and work towards building a better Zimbabwe.