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Entertainment - Date: 04 March 2016
Music
While the majority of artists are using guitars and keyboards, Lazarus Masete (62) is one of the few local concertina players who still enjoy playing this old-fashioned musical instrument, also known as a squeeze box.
Masete, who resides at Matshena village, is a frequent provider of entertainment at family parties and social gatherings in the Niani area.
His musical instrument, commonly known as a gorostina by the locals, is the fountain of sweet music to the ears of his adoring fans who enjoy his melodies whenever he performs. Masete was the centre of attention when he put on a brilliant performance during a social gathering to officially open the mukumbi (traditional beer made from marula fruit) season at Mabvete village. People cried for more as Masete continued to hit them with various traditional hits and vocals during his memorable performance.
Masete said he learnt to play the concertina as a young man while he was still working in Johannesburg many years ago. “A few of my friends owned concertinas and I used to listen to their music when they played. I then fell in love with the instrument and I asked them to teach me how to play. It was easy for me to master the skill because of my positive attitude. And the rest is now history…”
The much-loved concertina player, who sells firewood for survival, says despite his fame as a local entertainer, he is looking forward to collaborating with seasoned local musicians. “Music lovers, especially the older generation, miss the old melodic sounds of the concertina. That’s why it is important for me to feature it in other people’s music. Besides that, I also have a dream of recording my own album, but I cannot realize it because I don’t have money. Maybe someone out there will assist me to realize this dream. I also want to teach young people how to play the concertina. It is valuable to preserve this type of music because only a few people are able to play this type of musical instrument.”
Community members who wants to interact with Masete can phone him on 079 849 3357.
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