In Conversation with: Larry the Nomad

Larry the Nomad is a simple guy trying to leave his mark in the entertainment industry. He is a Zimbabwean artist, entrepreneur and all-round creative.

Where did your passion for music come from?

I come from quite the musical family, with my mom having been married to Don Gumbo so when I was born I automatically grew up surrounded by music. My oldest brother was a musician here in Zimbabwe before leaving, he was a part of a group called, GTi. My other brother Donovan Gumbo was a very talented musician as well and I used to watch and listen to him play, from the P.E. band with Sam Mtukudzi to the SDA acapella group Shower Power. All these have been important influences in my life when it comes to the music. In terms of the genre selection, living in Nigeria had a very big part to play in that and I fell in love with the culture and music and well now we have LarryTheNomad.  

What do you hope people will take away from listening to your music?

Honestly, I just want people to relate to the different scenarios in the songs. I want people to know that you can fall in love, have fun while doing it, experience life and live it to the fullest with no regrets.

 How did Soko Media Africa come to be? 

In 2014 I obtained my diploma in Multimedia while in Lagos, which is what got me behind the camera. I developed new skills while working in Gaborone with BornAKing photography and when I moved home I decided to start my own media company. The name ‘Soko Media’ comes from my totem which is ‘Soko Mukanya’. 

What are core values and vision for Soko Media Africa? 

Creativity, Passion, Heart. These are the three main values that Soko Media Africa is built on, without those three there’s no way I would have gotten as far as I have. The vision is to grow into a multimedia house, focusing on design, photography, cinematography, digital marketing and fashion. 

 Who have been your favourite artists to work with? 

As it stands Mc Chita, Prince Pashan, I-Ratty, Trayn Dillinger and Muse, have been some of my favourite artists to work with. I have upcoming projects with the likes of W.Hill$, Tazziey and Sway3rd that I’m really looking forward to sharing with the world. 

Of all your songs which one is your favourite and why? 

‘Everytime’ is my favourite song, because it was inspired by my relationship. It’s a love story that I think a lot of people can relate to and it’s an appreciation of love. 

What have been the highs and lows of your career so far?

Highs- I can say being able to rub shoulders with some of the best producers in the country, the likes of Simba Tagz, Mr Kamera, & most recently Dj Tamuka and soaking up the knowledge they have. It’s inspiring when you have the best of the best encouraging you to continue working and be patient and growing. 

Lows– I can safely say the performances that haven’t gone well, where the crowd really doesn’t understand, know and appreciate the sound yet. You get critics saying you’re trying to sound like something you’re not. The country’s music industry is led by Dancehall right now and hiphop, so breaking through as an Afro-Vibe artist is a challenge.

Where do you get the inspiration for your music?

Inspiration comes from my experiences at the time or things that are happening around me. 

What is the most important lesson life has taught you so far?

You are the master of your own destiny. 

What are you currently working on? 

I am currently working on a couple of singles, building up to a 5-track mixtape called Road Trips & Sunsets.

Which artists would you like to work with and why?

Ammara Brown, Tammy Moyo, Jah Prayzah and Nutty-O. I love their sounds and they each represent the different sounds we have coming out of Zimbabwe and I would like to be one day counted among them when people speak of current Zimbabwean greats. 

 What is the soundtrack to your life?

Oliver Mtukudzi -Dzoka uyamwe

 What is your favourite thing about being from Zimbabwe?

The resilience and strength we all have. We go through a lot as a people and we always just seem to make do with what we have and stay strong no matter the circumstances. We are a nation very underrated people and have lot more to offer the world than people realise.

 How would you like to be remembered?

As a game changer in Zimbabwean entertainment.

Social media

Twitter: @larrynomad

IG: @larry_the_nomad

https://audiomack.com/artist/larrythenomad