After a two-year absence from the music scene, musician Muzondwa Salani, better known as Gearbox, has bounced back at full tilt with the release of his fifth album, titled U Nembelela Ha Shamba Vol 5, which was released on 15 July this year.
The album comprises seven tracks, with U Nembelela Ha Shamba (title track), Iwe Mudzimu and Tshelede Ndi Sathane being the favourites among fans. Gearbox's velvety voice perfectly complements the soothing classic rhumba sounds of his music, but to those who like music with a little beat to it, some good dancefloor tunes have also been thrown in. The album was recorded in Tshau Studios by veteran musician Ishy Malala.
The musician says he has high hopes that this offering will do just as well as his previous album, Corona Vol 4, which was released in April 2020.
About his long break from music, Gearbox said this was due to other work commitments. "I am a National Defence Force member attached to the 15 SAI Battalion at Maunavhathu and I have to juggle between my military service, where we are deployed to African countries from time to time, and producing music. I had been deployed to the DRC Congo and only returned recently. The Covid pandemic also limited my space in the music industry as I could not even market my music," he said.
"This album is a masterpiece, and I am spreading the message wherever I go. I sing about things happening around us on a daily basis, giving my fans topics to talk about. Music should inform and teach people. Wherever I stop with my amplifier at full blast, crowds gather within a short space of time. This album is already selling like hot cakes, which goes to show that the fans love and appreciate it," he said.
Gearbox will soon be deployed again, this time to Kwa-Zulu Natal. "As of now, my music is self-marketed, but plans are at an advanced stage to have it on all digital platforms."
For bookings and album sales, Gearbox can be contacted on 072 209 6539. He also has a Youtube channel called 'Gearbox poor celebrity' where his music videos can be accessed.