Professor Zivanai Cuthbert Chapanduka shared in an exclusive interview with Sputnik Africa his insights on the power and potential of African music on the global stage. His current focus, however, is on the global impact of African music styles.
"Be true to your African roots. This is how people appreciate your music instead of trying to copy other people […] It's not about the language […] the beat has got to be African […] you got to have it in an African context," he said.
The medical doctor suggested that "incorporating our music into other people's music" and fostering "cross-pollination" is key to achieving wider recognition.
Chapanduka highlighted the communicative power of music, particularly in public health messaging. He suggested that musical forms could be effectively used to convey vital information, citing examples like promoting handwashing to combat diseases like Ebola or cholera.
His argument extended beyond the local context: "Globally, our music is being…Look at Chris Brown dancing. His moves are so African. He's got a bit of Burna Boy, Davido, amapiano—that is the power of African music."
He concluded by emphasizing the African origins of global musical genres such as jazz and the blues, underscoring the profound and lasting influence of African musical traditions.