1 8 mins 2 weeks

In the heart of Zimbabwe’s rich cultural scene, a talented musician has been making waves with his soulful melodies and inspiring lyrics. Meet Emmanuel Simon Sakala, a gifted singer-songwriter from Masvingo, who has been weaving his way into the hearts of music lovers with his unique sound. With a background in engineering and a passion for the arts, Emmanuel’s music reflects his diverse talents and experiences.

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Emmanuel to explore his musical journey, creative process, and aspirations for his career. From his humble beginnings in Masvingo to his dreams of global recognition, Emmanuel shares his story and the inspirations behind his music. Join us as we delve into the story of this talented artist and discover the melodies captivating audiences everywhere.

TR: Can you introduce yourself and share a bit about your background as a musician from Masvingo?
ES: Hi, I am Eng. Emmanuel Simon Sakala. I am an engineering graduate from NUST, and over the years, I have also carved out a path in the creative world. I was a StartBright 2012 finalist and reached the DreamStar semifinals in 2015. I am a musician, songwriter, and guitar player, and I also teach music. Beyond that, I run a business called Music Conah, which focuses on music, sound, and multimedia equipment retail and services, and I serve as the Public Relations Officer at Charles Austin Theatre here in Masvingo. So, I have got one foot in the technical world and the other deep in the arts which, in a way, reflects how I approach life: practically, but with a big imagination.

TR: How does being based in Masvingo influence your music and creative process?
ES: Masvingo is a quiet but powerful place. It is a city still finding its full voice, with so much raw potential artistically and entrepreneurially. That alone keeps me inspired. It challenges me to create, to pave new ground, and to be part of the growth. My music draws a lot from the spirit of this place, mostly focused on love and inspiration because that is what I feel we need more of in our everyday lives.

TR: You have experience as a manager at Charles Austin Theatre in Masvingo. How did that role shape your passion for music and the arts?
ES: Being part of the management team at Charles Austin Theatre gave me a wider lens. I began to understand not just my own artistic path, but also the struggles and dreams of other artists. It made me want to do more than just chase my goals. I felt compelled to share knowledge, create opportunities, and offer support wherever I could. That deeper empathy echoes in my music; it is about lifting others up while staying true to my journey.

TR: What musical instruments can you play, and do you have a favorite to incorporate into your music?
ES: I mainly play the acoustic guitar, it is my go-to instrument, and it has really helped shape my sound. I also dabble with the electric guitar and piano. Lately, I have been drawn to the mbira. There is something deeply spiritual about its sound and it connects me to my identity as an African artist. It has this ancient, grounding energy that brings a soulful, earthy dimension to my newer work.

TR: What inspired your song “Mudziwemuti,” and can you share the story behind its creation?
ES: “Mudziwemuti” is a deeply personal dedication to my parents, especially my father. Sometimes, fathers do not get the recognition they deserve. They are often seen as background figures especially as we grow older. This song is a reminder of their silent strength and the importance of remembering our roots, no matter how far we go or how much we achieve. Whether rich or poor, we should never forget where we come from.

TR: Let us take a trip back to 2021 with your track “Tidzike Gomo.” What inspired that song, and did you anticipate the response it would receive?
ES: “Tidzike Gomo” came from a place of deep emotion. It was inspired by a real-life event involving a brother who could not overcome a personal challenge. Witnessing that moment shook me and I saw parts of my own weaknesses reflected in him. It made me realise that we are all human, all flawed, and all in need of each other’s support. That song became a call to action to remind us to be each other’s keeper. I did not expect how deeply people would connect with it, but I believe honesty always finds its way to people’s hearts.

TR: Can you walk us through your creative process when writing and producing your original songs?
ES: My creative process is mostly organic. Sometimes it starts with a beat, other times with a real-life moment or sudden realisation. I often hum something, a mumbled chorus or melody and record it on my phone before it slips away. Then I build on it, usually with my guitar. It can take days or even months to complete a song, depending on how the inspiration flows. Once the song feels ready, I collaborate with different producers either individually or as a team to bring it to life.

TR: How do you think your music reflects your roots in Masvingo, and what themes do you often explore in your songs?
ES: Masvingo is the historical heart of Zimbabwe. It has a nurturing, grounded energy that I try to reflect in my music. Many of my songs center around inspiration and love; universal themes, but I always infuse them with a local essence. I want listeners to feel connected and uplifted, no matter where they are.

TR: What role do you believe music plays in your community, and how do you hope your music impacts your audience?
ES: Music is one of the most powerful tools we have, it can uplift, heal, educate, or even divide. In my community, I see music as a force for good. I hope my music brings people joy, encourages self-reflection, and fosters compassion. If someone hears my lyrics and feels seen, inspired, or simply comforted that means everything to me.

TR: What are your aspirations for your music career, and how do you plan to share your talents with a wider audience?
ES: I dream of hearing more and more people say that my songs helped them through something or gave them strength. That is my biggest goal. Touring globally is definitely on my vision board. With social media and streaming platforms, it is easier now to reach new listeners. I am actively putting my music out on YouTube and all major online stores. It is all about showing up consistently and staying true to the message.

One thought on “The Melodic Voice of Masvingo: An Exclusive Interview with Emmanuel Simon Sakala

  1. Beautiful voice ,powerful lyrics that sinks deep inside and bring revolution to the mind , well scripted. THUMBS UP My guy .I pray for the best of you in your musical journey .

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