You may recognize Duncan Sodala from his work managing Zambian Hip Hop group Zone Fam, or from his work as an artist under his aka ‘The Holstar’. In honor of the UNWTO, Duncan has released a project called ‘The UNWTO mixtape’. He says,
“Slam Dunk Records TV and Da Grapevine TV saw it fit to share with the rest of the world our culture through music, tackling various topics and vices in both societies. This Mixtape is the first of its kind and will serve as an outlet for Zambian and Zimbabwean youth to voice their opinions and stories of today’s happenings”.
Listen to the UNWTO Mixtape here.
We chatted to Duncan to find out more about his project.
C1rca 1964: When did you have the idea for the UNWTO Mixtape?
Duncan: I had this idea late 2012 when I first heard about the UNWTO Conference. I already had a rapport with Naboth of DGVTV Zimbabwe so he was the first person I thought of.
C1rca 1964: Seeing as the UNWTO is about tourism, how do you think the music aspect with the mixtape fits in?
Duncan: Music is the best way to communicate ones cultural to people from elsewhere, its a universal language thats speaks to your soul. This will be able to show how diverse we are as a people and also how close and united we are as Zambia and Zimbabwe.
C1rca 1964: Will you be doing an actual launch event in Livingstone?
Duncan: We won’t have an actual launch, The Mixtape itself will be downloadable online but we are planning on pressing a number of cd’s to distribute to delegates during the conference.
C1rca 1964: Duncan: What was the process of picking artists?
Duncan: We had a call for submissions a few months back, people had to submit songs that they felt related to the country or continent also something inspiring. The deadline for submission was 30th June 2013. We have a final selection of 16 songs.
C1rca 1964: Who are some of the artists that featured?
Duncan: We have Tasila Mwale, Trae Yung, Mac, Princess Jazz and Zone Fam just to name a few.
C1rca 1964: What do you think Zambian artists can learn from Zimbabwean artists and vice versa?
Duncan: We can learn alot from each other…I think Zambian artists can learn from Zimbabwe’s Live music culture it is quite rich and matured. Zimbabwean’s can learn a bit from Zambia’s drive and determination. We can combine and be a major force on the continent.
C1rca 1964: Beyond the mixtape, how do you envision the future of Zim/Zam collaboration?
Duncan: I see a lot for the future, I would like to see more Zambian’s performing in Zimbabwe and vice versa. We need more cultural exchange programs and share knowledge through different forums.
What do you think about the mixtape and what are your favorite tracks? Let us know in the comment section?
Interviewer : Mazuba Kapambwe
