Reason Cheteni
Kudzai Mpangi, Sunday Life Reporter
WHEN Reason Cheteni aka Reaz Bass was playing with local musicians at home in Bulawayo, he did not imagine himself sharing the stage with Casper Nyovest, let alone being a part of his band. But today Reaz is enjoying his time in the sun as South African rapper Casper Nyovest’s bassist.
Today Cheteni looks back to where it all started.
“I still remember when Casper’s producer posted on Facebook requesting all musicians interested in being part of Casper’s band to inbox him their link playing hip-hop or Casper’s music. I just thought why not give it a try and I did a video and sent it to him. After a couple of weeks I got a call, that they loved my work, there I got the offer.
“They were simply impressed by my bass guitar skills and out of all the people that had sent their links I was lucky to be the chosen one and until today I stand playing for him in all of his events,” he added.
Cheteni has been playing with Casper Nyovest since 2015 and together they have played in big events which have attracted thousands of crowds.
“The climax of my career was in 2015 when I started working with Casper Nyovest, together we have worked through Fill up the Dome, Fill up Orlando Stadium and also his latest album ‘‘Thuto’’ which has been one of his best albums and listened to,” he said.
He described working with the South African rapper as a dream come true for him as he does not only work for him but they have grown to have the best relationship.
“One thing that I have learnt from Casper Nyovest is that your originality does not define who you are or where you come from and he has connected me to prominent musicians in South Africa, it’s all thanks to him. We have a working relationship but it is rooted on family values, as we consider each other family. The relationship that we have has grown to be fruitful as he launched me into the SA hip-hop live band scenes,” he said.
Cheteni is a deep-rooted Christian who believes that everything comes from God in His own time and he being one of the prominent bass guitarists is from God.
“I honestly wouldn’t have come this far if it wasn’t for God’s grace and favour. I just do what I do best and God just perfects the talent which is deep within me and I have learnt to learn from other bassists and musicians,” he said.
“I would like to thank Claire Nyakutya,Vusa Mkhaya, Eric Moyo, Pastor Gee for granting me the opportunity that they gave me while I was still playing back home. These people helped in shaping my career. Today I stand tall with pride as I take on the world in playing bass and raising my country’s flag high,” he said.
Cheteni will be playing bass guitar during the festive season together with Casper Nyovest in their major event #FillUpFNBsatdium which will be taking place in a couple of weeks.
He has worked with most of the well known musicians in South Africa who include NastyC, Ricky Rick, Tshego, Nathi, Nadia Nakai and his looking forward to working with more artistes. -@kayskudzai