I am Elton Gumbo, not anyone else!

By Dickson Bandera

He is a duly attested member in the Zimbabwe Republic Police, a trooper in the Support Unit Hotel troop and a resident in the Chikurubi residential camp in Greendale, Harare. In the showbiz, another veritable parallel universe, Elton Gumbo has morphed into a gospel music star whose strength is premised on wide ranged vocal power and good composing skills.

Recently, bootleg copies from his third release, Gejo Muchechi were reportedly being sold as Mathius Mhere’s new album in the streets of Harare and alas without any penny going to either of the two musicians.

This reporter, Dickson Bandera (DB) chats with Elton Gumbo (EG) to reflect on this and other issues.

DB For the past few months, the name Elton Gumbo has pierced into various spots with some mistaking you with the gospel hotshot, Mathius Mhere. Who is Elton Gumbo?

EG Elton Artin Gumbo was born in Mberengwa two years after Zimbabwe attained its independence and attended primary school at Murongwe Primary School from1991 to 1997. He did Form 1 to 4 at Chemimwe Secondary School in Mberengwa then went to Chiredzi where he did his Advanced Levels at Mufakose High School from 2000 to 2001. In 2005 to 2006, he enrolled with Bulawayo Polytechnic College for Electronic Communications before joining the Zimbabwe Republic Police on 27 November 2009. He graduated from Depot on 27 May 2009 and was posted to Support Unit where he is currently operating under Hotel Troop Chikurubi Urban District.

DB Well, now you are a musician. How did you end up in music?

EG From what I hear from my parents, in my kindergarten days I used to sing strange songs never heard before, and this went on till I was a primary school boy. I joined school choirs at both Primary and Secondary School and at one time at Murongwe, I even corrected the choirmaster on a mistake he had made on interpreting the music solfa notation. I began to write down my songs and play instruments in churches that I became popular in services and crusades where I could play the keyboards and sing some touching songs. In 2009 in Beitbridge at the Family of God Church Conference, I sang a song by Keke (South African singer) and my performance had to be requested throughout the 9-day conference. The DVDs that captured my performance sold like hot cakes. When I sang my compositions, people could request CDs but they could not get them because I had not recorded. I continued to write songs until 2010 when I decided to do my recording. I engaged Diamond Studios and released my debut, Infinity One. Since then I have never stopped.

DB How many albums have you released to date?

EG I released Infinity 1 in 2010, Infinity 2 Reloaded Live in Harare in 2012 and now a 2013 production Infinity 3 Gejo Muchechi.

DB Your albums seem to be prefixed with “Infinity”  What is this infinity?

EG The message contained in my compositions talk about eternity. Look at the second album Infinity 2 inlay cover, there is a picture of a road that shows no end. My music seeks to drive people to eternity. That is why I call my music good music. When people do good as per the will of God, they will live up to infinity.

DB Where can people access your music?

EG Corner Studios (which usually displays a speaker playing music outside at Coppacabana) and Gramma Records distribute my music. I am also distributing the music on my own and am contactable on +263774 187 975/+263773 400 300

DB There are reports that your music was pirated and sold in the streets as Methius Mhere’s new album. How far true is this?

EG Yes I received calls from people who had bought the discs in the streets although I did get into the streets to find out because of work schedules. This is the problem in our industry. Pirates are confusing and robbing people.

DB There is an outcry that musicians of this generation lack originality as they are simply cutting and pasting from works of music legends such as Leonard Dembo, Brian Sibalo, Jordan Chataika or Biggie Tembo. Is your music original?

EG That question can best be answered by listeners. However the cut and paste approach is usually used by people who join the industry with wrong motives. Those are actually doing a disservice to themselves. When one targets money, and instant fame, one can easily become a parasite. But we ought to be original because when God wanted Mechanic Manyeruke, he created Mechanic Manyeruke. When He wanted Charles Charamba, he created Charles Charamba and when he wanted Elton Gumbo, he created me. I am Elton Gumbo and no one else. So if I want to be Charles Charamba when God created me as Elton then I am contesting God.

DB What defines your music?

EG Infinity music is more into live than computerized beats and I take time to pen songs. The music is not meant to take money from the church but to preach to the church.  I also do songs in a variety of languages, Venda, Shona, English, Xhosa and other to accommodate wide audience.

DB I understand it is your first time to record an album with Lyton Studios. How did you find the going at Lyton Studios?

EG I am happy with the studio because we have worked together as a team. Lyton Ngolombi (producer) has a good hand on sound and he does not dictate things but accommodates ideas for the best of the music. His wife, Bethen Pasinawako is also humble and prepared to assist upcoming artists.

DB The music industry is now known as a “no fortune area” due to the poor market avenues. How have been your market.

EG Umm music production is rather costly these days. What you channel towards the recording may never return. But on the 3^rd album we tried to sell on our own and at least we cannot complain.

DB Many clashes and cold relations among musicians have been reported. How do you relate with other musicians?

EG I am creating ties than enemies. This is health. I am part of the Extreme Afric Choir (a new group composed of various gospel artistes). I have also shared stage with Joice Simeti. Other friends include Mukoma Soma (Somandla Ndebele) and Mathius Mhere.

DB Is the ZRP supporting you on your music?

EG I am supported at all levels. Look at all my album inlay covers I thank the ZRP family for the support I am getting.  Badger (Senior Assistant Commissioner Mhekiya Tanyanyiwa) has even promised to donate a music kit. However, I also believe I should be invited more on police functions because the police is my father. If it blesses me my road will be clear. I should be given slots in crime awareness campaigns, parties and even the Funfair because when my family is holding a function I should participate as a family member.

DB How do you balance between troop work and music.

EG If you have passion, you sacrifice. My time to rest from police duties is time for music so I programme according to work schedules.

DB Lastly, what advice can you give to those who might want to join the music industry.

EG Do not drop your goal because of challenges. If you realize your talent then work hard along that line, with or without money. Rewards may come instantly or in the end. If you are serious with your talent, God will bless your works.

DB Thank you Elton for your time. Wish you more succeses.

EG Ah ndototenda imi mukoma. Thank you very much.