KUDITA Spotlight interview
My Bulawayo got to sit down and chat with Admire Kudita aka Kaysoul, he is a talented musician, song writer, show producer and many more. His abiding purpose is to unearth raw Bulawayo talent and to create platforms that showcase inspired creative content from Cape to Cairo. As founder and head of strategy for Culture Beat Africa Multimedia Trust he conceptualised a performance platform called Live & Fluid -a monthly multi genre showcase of music, dance and spoken word (poetry/comedy). The project kicked off in August of 2015. Artists such as current award winning hip hop king Calvin, ZIMA nominees Mzoe 7 and Zima winner Skaiva have graced the Live & Fluid stage to date.
1. Who is Kudita aka Kaysoul
Kudita is a show producer, poetry writer and Guild Songwriter
2. Describe yourself in 3 words
I will give you four rather :Visionary, Passionate, Inspirational, Change Agent
3. How would you describe your type of music, would you say it has changed over the years?
Yes. I was raised on Motown, Country, Blues, Jazz and I listened to the likes of the late Safirio Madzikatire and reggae icon Bob Marley. My music was inspired by throse influences. Later it started to learn towards pop, then it evolved to rap…I was a MC back in the day. Now my music is a collage of Afro-centric, soul and every part of my music history has shaped my present in music
4. Do you have any upcoming projects?
Yes I have two upcoming projects. One is an inspirational one and another is called Soul Revival: Soul of a Poet. I promise you its music that is very honest and soulful. It has different inflections and influences such as reggae and of soul. Its the kind of music you want to play if you want catharsis and you want to get in touch with the raw emotional side of your being. Its beautiful..
5. Tell us about Culture Beat Africa Multimedia Trust
It’s envisioned as a multimedia juggernaut and platform for pushing all genres of the arts.
6. Do you do music full time?
No. I have other careers. I’m a farmer, journalist and in the process of obtaining of completing my law studies.
8. What inspired you to get into the music business?
Its not a business per se..at least here in Zimbabwe. But music chose me. I have always had a passion for music. I wrote my first song when I was ten. I recall that I initially could write some very fantastic stories in grade school. I guess my imagination was very vivid. I think when i saw the likes of New Edition I realised that it was exactly what I wanted to do. I could draw also by the way but music was more of an immediate thrill. So I put on hold my plans to become a great author. I was going to be a pop star (laughs)
9. What have you learnt along the way ?
That I have real songwriting skill. I am a three time finalist in the UK International Songwriting Contest (2005 & 2011). More over I have also managed to understand that there is a lot of work that needs to be done to get people to understand the need for organisation,diversification and segmentation in the creative sector. I set up Culture Beat Africa Multimedia with a sort of agenda to help organise the sector in 2014.
10. You are a family man how do you balance both your career and home life?
My family is important. They understand that I’m a creative person as well.
11. Who have you worked with, plan to work with ?
I love working with youth..young artists. For example on my current platforms I have worked with Roots band, 3sum, Tinashe, Afro-fresh, T-1nda, Phakamamfazi, Cal-Vin, Mzoe 7
12. What does one need to make it in the Zimbabwean music industry?
Dedication, talent and platforms
13. Tell us something that we would be surprised to know about you
I was behind the Link up to Bulawayo concept that ZiFM was doing which helped bring the likes of Calvin to the public spotlight but its a long story which actually started off at Star FM !!!
14. How do you juggle family life and being an artist?
There is no juggling. One has to suffer at some point and time. I have a very understanding family and that is blessing as an artist.
15. What is the biggest obstacle that you have overcome?
Self-doubt. I believe in myself more now.
16. What have you gained as an individual over the past years that you can share with others?
The knowledge about the entertainment sector. I have been a entertainment journalist for the top papers such as Financial Gazette. I have seen quite a lot which has led me to the place where I am in where I am so networked with people that matter in the Zimbabwean entertainment sector. I can literally hook you up with a platform if I feel that you are ready for it. Yes we have done it for Mzoe 7 and Calvin when we had them share a stage with Zimbabwe’s biggest musical act of the moment Jah Prayzer. It all comes down to relationships and nurturing those relationships. The bigger picture is of course to build further on the legacies left by those who have come before such as ubraCont Mhlanga.
17. Are you involved in any community projects?
Yes Live & Fluid is a commuunity project I am doing in partnership with the National Gallery.
18. What would you say to anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
Do you own thing.
