Exclusive : Lusaka Voice (LV) interview with  Shadrock

L.V Who is Shadrock?

Shadrock– Shadrock is my stage name but my full names are Shadrock Givemoore Lungu Mukarakate .

I am 30 years old, married with two children. I am a musician, which is what I do for a living. I am also into to cooperate branding and advertising.

L.V When did you start singing?

Shadrock -I first started singing when I was five years old. I come from a family of musicians.

From my mother’s side, there are very good vocalists and from my father’s side there are good instrument players, so I got my talent from both sides.

Professionally I got into music in 2003. I had a band back then and in 2006 we recorded our first album. To date I have recorded two albums. I am working on the third which should be out in August.

 L.V Are you still singing gospel?

Shadrock It all comes to how people interpret what gospel is. Most people think gospel is singing Alleluyah but gospel simply means good news. Even if I sing a song to my wife to tell her that I love her, to me that’s gospel.

As a child of God whatever music I have inside me, I sing about it. Right now the album I am working on is called “songs of Solomon”, it comprises of love songs. Songs that I wrote based on my experience with my wife.

My music is about my everyday experiences, things that I have gone through with my wife and the love that I enjoy.

From the time I fell in love with her, even the things I see in other people, like my grand parents, they have been married for over 60 years and still have love and respect for each other.

 L.V What has been the highlight of your career so far?

 Shadrock In 2012 we won the best band award for the Mukuvu awards, again I entered a music competition called Dreams and I won.

I had a tour in Australia and in just five shows the money I made there will take 5 years to make it here. People in other places have put value in music, the appreciation is just overwhelming.

L.V When it comes to Freedom of expression, where do you draw the line as an artist?

Shadrock I am a very patriotic Zambian and I will tell you one thing, if something is wrong it is wrong.

I will take you back to our fore fathers they used to come up with things that would only advantage them. It’s the same principle with our political leaders now, they put up things that benefit and protect them abnormally.

As artists we are here to provide checks and balances. When it comes to telling the truth I wouldn’t draw a line, if something is wrong I will speak about it because it affects Zambia.

Everything is just political from our homes to what we do.

 L.V How can we tackle Piracy?

Shadrock It is crazy because we don’t have laws that protect artists from piracy, if we have them they are not working.

Citizens should take responsibility and stop buying pirated CDs. I know it’s cheaper than the original CD but people should consider the amount of work put together by an artist.

L.V What advice would you give to up coming artists?

Shadrock Patience is very important. An opportunity means preparation but at times people want opportunities without having prepared.

Everyone has to go through a process of learning and perfection so that when the opportunity comes one will excel.

It is also important to be humble and be allow other people to mentor you.

L.V How has been your journey so far working with Mojo?

Shadrock I fell in love with the vision that Mojo has, they explore and expose artists locally and internationally.

I feel my music has that potential. This is our first project with Mojo but we share the same goals when it comes to quality, presentation and the niche market we target.

L.V Any last words

Shadrock There is just no respect, no value placed on arts in Zambia. People just don’t how music is powerful in their daily lives.