Pitshou Lumiere: Championing Unity, Hard Work, and Consistency in Rhumba Music
As Pitshou Lumiere approaches his 47th birthday on January 28, the seasoned rhumba artist is reflecting on the past and gearing up for an exciting 2025. Known for his contributions to the rhumba genre, Pitshou believes that local musicians and promoters can achieve greater success through unity, hard work, and consistency.
With his unwavering passion for music, Pitshou has set ambitious goals for the year ahead. One of his key resolutions is to foster greater collaboration within the local music industry. He has already established a strong bond with local Zimbabwean artists, such as Sulumani Chimbetu and Jah Signal, and looks forward to even more collaborations. “Over the years, I have developed a strong bond with the locals because we treat each other like family. This bond has led to collaborations with notable artists, and I am excited about my upcoming project titled ‘Pete Pete’ featuring Miss Daisy, a local artist with a beautiful voice,” Pitshou shared.
As the leader of the successful Diamond Musica, Pitshou is dedicated to reviving rhumba music and restoring its widespread appeal. However, he expressed concern over the lack of professional promoters to help elevate the genre. “Rhumba music still has a dedicated following, and this year we are planning massive shows once I secure a professional manager,” he said.
Pitshou’s plans for 2025 include returning to the stage for live performances. “I will resume live performances at the end of January, sharing the stage with Jah Signal. I will be supported by Shaka Zulu and other members of the Diamond Musica band who are based in South Africa,” he revealed. Having last performed in South Africa at the Durban Music Jazz Festival in 2001, Pitshou is eager to reconnect with his fans. “I have always wanted to perform for a highly appreciative crowd, and we never disappoint. I will leave early to ensure that I can rehearse with my band,” he added.
In addition to his music career, Pitshou is also focused on expanding his entrepreneurial ventures. He has been running a poultry and hatchery project in Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This endeavor became especially significant during the Covid-19 lockdown when Pitshou realized the importance of having multiple income streams. “I can’t rely on music alone. I have learned this during the lockdown and now I am an entrepreneur-cum-musician,” he explained. Pitshou’s passion for entrepreneurship reflects his desire to create financial stability for himself and other artists who may be struggling despite their musical success. “It pains me to see artists struggling financially despite having entertained so many people with their music,” he said.
As Pitshou sets his sights on 2025, his commitment to his craft, his collaboration with fellow artists, and his entrepreneurial spirit exemplify the values of unity, hard work, and consistency. With exciting projects on the horizon and a renewed dedication to reviving rhumba, Pitshou Lumiere is poised to continue making an impact on Zimbabwe’s music scene for years to come.
