By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
For any musician it is quite a rare feat to reach out to both the young and the old.
But for Coach Ngoni, the 50-year-old makes it look easy with his latest seven-track album simply titled The 4Gotten One (Madhara ane Staira).
The 4Gotten One has achieved both as it appeals to the young and the old in more ways than one.
Firstly, Coach Ngoni is not only an accomplished and seasoned Basketball coach but a talented vocalist.
His messages are subtle but makes it easy to engage music lovers without breaking a sweat.
In other words he draws much from his personal life and also his surroundings to come up with well thought out lyrics in a way that makes music look easy.
His themes are not difficult to understand but captures the imagination of his listeners through sing along tunes.
The album which was launched on 31 December 2022 consists of feel good vibes which anyone can relate to.
It opens with Silly, a track which many can dance and sing along to.
But Coach Ngoni also shows his spiritual side given that his life also faced some up and downs.
The other tracks that make up the album are Murato (Kamushikashika Kemu Mvura), The 4Gotten One, Mazimari, a song that encourages young people to work hard and also put God first.
He says there is no need to go out of one’s way to find juju to make money as is the case nowadays.
Coach Ngoni strongly believes hard work pays and he singles out mobile mogul Strive Masiyiwa as an example of one who worked hard to be where he is today.
Dakukutenda is another gem on this album and carries the same positive messages on what many view as gospel.
If there is anything that stands out on this track is the thumbing beat.
Sonono and Bhawa Ranger close what may already have been a hit album.
The beats are danceable and more importantly well meaning.
Speaking at the launch, Coach Ngoni confirmed he was inspired by his family and the society.
“I interact with a lot of people including my family and how I write my songs is that when I wake up, I always remember the tune and then I write the lyrics down,” he said.
But what took him so long to record the music.
“It took me years and learning and unlearning music. Perhaps, it is because I wanted to come up with a sound that relate to the young and the old at the same time,” he explained.
“I’ve been always musical since I was young and the passion of music never went away.”
He challenges norms and his subjects are as varied as the life itself.
“I’m about positive thinking and living, finding that space between the older and younger generations.
“I know change is happening but I always want to provoke thoughts and also inspire young people to want to do something,” he said.
At his age it all the more remarkable that his music has broken boundaries and enjoyable too.
But as a seasoned basketball coach what is his first love now that he is starting a career in music.
“I will never leave basketball, it is my life. I want to share my life through music and basketball.
“And as for music I felt I could inspire youngsters who have been procrastinating in releasing their albums that it is doable,” he said.
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