Upcoming musician Darlington Kumbulani Chikono said he wants to focus on releasing singles, audio book and Eps which he hopes would inspire many youths.

The 26 year-old Mufakose based afro- trade musician said in an interview with this publication that despite fans asking for an album, lack of exposure, lack of shows and sponsorship was affecting his career as an afro-trade musician.

“I started recording in local studios of Murehwa with Mr Itai Dzuba and a mbira tutor and to date but things have not been well for me,” he said.

“As a young artists, we are lacking exposure and the talent ends up going down the drain. My passion for mbira has not given me a room for anything and I will not give up until I make it", said the dreadlock with determination Darlington. "I have been focusing on releasing singles on my extended play and I want these to put me on the spotlight and I encourage people to support me before I work on the album.”

An artist who come from humble beginnings in the rural areas of Murehwa, were the passion for music started at an early age in high school where he managed to record songs. He also managed to create a band called “African voice “which has 7 people.

Darlington has recorded more than 14 songs which include the “inzwi ramambo” which was his first album . He is also working on an audio book which is targeting the youth to try and strengthen them in all way to create a better world.

Darlington described his first album as his growth, though he is still facing some obstacles. “Inzwi rambo album signifies my purpose and the fundamental growth in my career,” he said. “I would like anyone who gets the opportunity to listen to this album, I’m sure one will be inspired, find the confidence to believe in the messages and know that all things are possible. However, songs have different meanings depending on how you want to interpret them. "

He said his songs were much inspired by her background and have a goal to motivate the youth especially those who are in the ghetto and hopeless.

“I’m lucky to grow up as a peasant son because I grew up watching different things from society, which gave me more experience and lyrics. He said. “Some have affected me to the extent that I ended up putting my feelings on mbira and paper.

The music sector locally is not a walk in the park, especially if you are a male. I am still learning the ropes, but my cry is that promoters should also give us a platform to shine, as well as show casing our talent,”

Asked who he wishes to do a collaboration with, Darlington said he said i appreciate everyone who started singing before me as these are the people who paved a way for us in the music industry.

“Internationally, I am inspired by all mbira artists including Mr Itai Dzuba who is the owner of Hofi band, which is a traditional group, who again taught me how to use /play mbira instrument,” he said. “Locally, it would be a dream come true for me to do a collaboration with those artists who share the same passion and energy as me.

The artist is set to release an audio book “chakaramba kugocheka imvura” in April, so as to strengthen those who are facing hard times, those about to give up, so they can have hope and know that everything is possible and is achievable.

The people of Zimbabwe are going through hard times because of the melting down of the economy in recent years and youths like Darlington will have passion for the arts are struggling to develop their crafts because of lack of funding.