Meet Carlton Mparutsa
Carlton, aka Carlo, is a well-renowned drummer in Zimbabwe who is also a student at the Music Crossroads Academy in Zimbabwe. His major: drums. Carlos Mparutsa was born in a family that had a passion for music. He started playing drums in April 1999 in a family band in Mutare. This contemporary drummer, who plays for a number of groups and musicians including Sulumani Chimbetu aka Sulu, has also been part of Runn Family, Africa Revenge, Victor Kunonga, Sandra Ndebele, Alexio Kawara, Tanga WeKwaSando to mention just a few. His international collaborations so far include Lufuno (a South African Gospel artists) and Lisa Viola (an Angolan pop musician based in the United States), and locally he has collaborated with Sulu, Chioniso, Jah Praizer and Edith WeUtonga for a peace and humanitarian project.
Now when I sit behind a drum set, I have a broader perspective on my instrument
Having toured countries like South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Kenya, the UK, Australia, France and India, this year his band plans to tour Canada and USA together with Sulu. Carlton is also the co-director of The Drum Fiesta Festival, which is a yearly event that focuses on showcasing the playing of drums as a full show without any voice or other instruments. In the next five years, Carlton sees himself as a professional international drummer and music teacher.
Carlton had this to say concerning his career thus far and his experience at the Music Crossroads Academy of Zimbabwe:
“Music Crossroads Academy is the best thing that has happened to me academically in the eighteen years of my musical career. I come from a background filled with natural talent more than academic and technical talent and, for the past 17 years, I was just playing using my natural knowledge on drums and after serious consideration I decided to get to know what I play by the book. The reason being that I am a role model to many young drummers some of whom want me to teach them. I want to be able to give them a complete education on the drums. I therefore decided to join MCAZ as a student in October 2016.”
One of his best moments in music collaboration was the HIFA closing night of 2006 during which he performed with Afrika Revenge and 340ML (A South Africa-based band). Carlton is encouraging fellow drummers to equip themselves through professional music education so that they become internationally competitive. He urges them to practice a lot and to stay humble in order to reach greater heights in the music industry.
Now when I sit behind a drum set, I have a broader perspective on my instrument. I am now able to listen to music and interpret the interval being played on a keyboard, or a piano. Its important for someone who wants to play music professionally because without this background the musician will be limited on an international level in terms of music language and communication. You have to be quick to understand what needs to be done and how to do it. I am looking forward to going beyond the certificate level, completing the diploma level, and ultimately becoming a music teacher.”
