PACING UP TO STONE'S SOLO RIDE

THE MAN BEHIND THE NAME RONALD STONE.

While the name Ronald Stone has long been associated with the Family Voices; the finest accapella group to ever emerge from Bulawayo; it excites me to be catching up with him as a solo artist. 

Ronald Stone was born as Ronald Sithole Magigwani. He was raised in Pumula East as the  youngest and only boy in his family. Singing is to him a lifestyle dating back from his primary school days at Ingwegwe Primary School. His high school experience is shared among St. Bernards, Premier High and Zim College. Today he is a father of two beautiful girls and takes pride in his amazing family.

Apart from music, Ronald Stone is a versatile  communicator who masters ceremonies, rap's, motivates and coaches the vocals.

WHAT INSPIRED THE NAME STONE?

"I'm a realist, so it often comes across as truth and facts which are often times bitter and cold when said and thus my cousin gave me the name."

WHAT'S THE MEANING OF MUSIC TO YOUR LIFE?

"Music has literally been my source of joy from my boyhood. I only broke into the music scene after high school with the Family Voices. I've worked with the Family Voices for a decade and a half."

HOW DIFFERENT IS THE SOLO RIDE FROM YOUR DAYS AS A FAMILY VOICES MEMBER?

"It's a world of change. Working as a group made things a bit easier because tasks would be divided according to the strengths of the gang. Now with very little assistance, it's an uphill task. I must say I have a few friends God sent to my aid and I'm hopeful for brighter days ahead."

WHAT ARE THE MOST GLORIOUS MOMENTS OF YOUR MUSIC CAREER?

I've had most of those with the Family Voices. My first competition victory at the Bulawayo's got Talent 2011 edition, first HIFA performance in 2012, partaking in the 2015 All Africa games official opening, a performance on Muvhango and a performance at the Durban Essence Festival."

WHAT INSPIRED THE EMBARKMENT ON A SOLO PROJECT?

"I believe God gifts you so you share that gift with the world. The worst tragedy would be for me to fail reaching out to the world with this gift. So I pray that I impact the music fraternity as much as it has impacted  me."

ZOOM INTO RONALD STONE'S SOLO PROJECTS.

"I've done a couple of features on gospel songs by Beke BK Mguni and Prophetess Bongy currently working with her as well on a track that will also feature Father, Amos Mahendere. I'm also doing collaborations on hip-hop and contemporary music with Producer, Black Orient and Rapper, P.O.Y. Also in the books is a track with Reggae songstress, Mandie Mae. I'm super excited to work on any genre so I keep expanding my craft and reach.
The album I'm working on is my first ever and is mostly Afro Soul with a few tracks hip-hop and dance. I call myself a vocalist and refuse to be limited to one genre,so if the vibe is correct for me then I'm definitely up for the challenge, no matter what the genre."

WHAT ARE WE TO EXPECT FROM RONALD STONE?

"I wanna change the face of music with my approach. My debut album is almost done. It's taking longer than it should due to financial constraints. Nonetheless, I'm optimistic that we will get it done soon."

WHAT WORD WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE 16 YEAR OLD YOU?                                      

"Be focused,  stay disciplined and be in competition only with yourself. Live every moment and make every performance as if it were your last and always get better. Live, the tourism sector is open."