50/32 CHAT(Episode1) WITH BOTHWELL NYAMHONDERA As a build up to my 50th birthday next week 15 September I'm having this chat show where I chat with a few industry relatives extracting valuable information from them. So for episode1 here is the chat I had with legendary music producer Mr Bothwell Nyamhondera as we relaxed in the studio.He is the man behind the music production of a host of yesteryear giants like Leonard Dembo, The four Brothers, Thomas Mapfumo to name just a tiny fraction. So wr went back into time from the time we first met in 1989.We touched on many topics, watch on. You can also watch it on RU-vid on link below:
Thanks so much Mukoma Mono. Came here through the link you provided on Denny J interview. I was dying to listen to a conversation between you and the legendary Bothwell Nyamhondera
I can safely say mdara Mono you have always researched and your memory is too sharp.God's Favourite Intelligent Guitarist...Thank you Bothwell for all the important information..We learning everyday..
Thank you Mono for bringing this Legend Producer for the interview.I have learnt a lot from this interview.This man has vast experience and m certain the young producers can learn a lot from him.
I like what's going on here in this discussion. I think these are the sort of conversations that are necessary to see Zimbabwe move onto the world stage. I agree with many of the insights shared by both Bothwell Nyamhondera and "Muddhara Mono"... but more important than any specific insight is the attitude that says "I sincerely want to find out what I need to make it, and I'll do anything, and learn from anyone that can help me reach my goal". That attitude may just be the sort of thing that will see Zimbabwe join the likes of musical and cultural giants such as Jamaica, and DRC... so thank you for these discussions. Don't stop this good thing, keep it going (maybe on a different platform or whatever, but keep going). I think I speak for many when I say "we appreciate you Mudharo Mono" :)
I think i have an idea on how to get that vintage guitar tone in the box. As you can hear there is some tap hiss which is actually pleasant in this case so you need an analogue tape emulator, there is one called Kramer Tape by Waves and also Slate Digital has one, UAD etc have tape plugins. To emulate that sound I would use an FX rack, there is one called GTR by Waves and many others. The effects chain should go something like this EQ>Compressor> Reverb>Chorus(with some pitch bend)>Phaser (The LFO on the pitch does the magic)>Tape Emulator (you also artificially add the tape hiss) > "Bit Crusher" to create that Low Fi sound so it does not sound too modern. Theoretically you can get pretty close
Mudhara akauraya Sungura music uyu. Akadzidziswa nevarungu kuita producer asi haana kuda kudzidzisa vechidiki kuti vaite take over from him. Some years ago Macheso virtually failed to record his album in time because he coudn't get a producer after Nyamhondera had gone to stay abroad. In an interview Cheso insinuated that the producer he had at his disposal at the time (one Jabu) was too wet behind the ears to handle his project. He even suggested bringing Nyamhondera back to work with him. Mentality yemadhara yeun'anga yekusada kudzidzisa vamwe pane makona ndiyo yauraya Sungura music. It's Nyamhondera or noone.
Was there anyone willing to learn? More responsibility to push for learning should lie on those that wanted to learn, did anyone really come forward asking for lessons? Have you checked how Urban Grooves producers like Delani Makhalima got to understand how these things work, it was many years of hard work.
I would like to learn production- and i would be grateful if i could work like an intern in your studio maybe weekends to learn. I have a pretty solid idea of the craft please help
