HARARE - Lyton Ngolomi, who has produced several gospel albums that have won recognition from the National Arts Merit Awards (Nama), wants a gong reserved for music producers.
Ngolomi of Harare-based Lyton Studios produced Blessing Shumba’s NdiMwari that won the 2012 Nama award and the album Shongwe by the same artiste that was nominated for the same award last year.
This year another Ngolomi-produced album Nguva Yenyasha by Mathias Mhere has been nominated for the Nama Outstanding Album Award where it will face competition from Emmanuel (Guspy Warrior) Manyeruke’s Handikwanise Kuzvitaura and Mukudzei (Jah Prayzah) Mukombe’s Tsviriyo.
Mhere’s song Zino Irema, also produced by Ngolomi, is vying for this year’s Outstanding Song Award along with Guspy Warrior’s Seunononga and Jah Prayzah’s Tsviriyo. While elated by the continued recognition his productions are receiving from Nama, Ngolomi feels Zimbabwe’s premier arts awards must create an award for music producers.
“Music producers would feel honoured if the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (Nacz) includes a category for the best music producer,” he said.
“Producers work hard behind the scenes and they would get a real lift if such an award is introduced.”
Though he has no accolades, Ngolomi is delighted by the little bit of recognition he is receiving.
“I am very happy that my work is being appreciated in the country and I thank God for always being on my side.
“The hard work I do with the artistes is getting noticed and appreciated.”
Ngolomi says the recognition that is now coming to the artistes under his wing is a result of many years he has dedicated to gospel music.
“Other than Shumba and Mhere’s albums that attracted Nama recognition, I have also produced many equally good albums including Agatha Murudzwa’s Press On and some by Kudzi Nyakudya,” he said.
Ngolomi, a former Air Zimbabwe Jets footballer, has also worked with such artistes as Rumbi Zvirikuzhe, Olinda Marowa and Trymore Bande.