Kensington’s double Grammy Award winner

“It’s a case of taking opportunities. Be willing to get out of your comfort zone and try something new,” said double Grammy winning producer and Kensington resident, Mr Robin Hogarth.

Born in London, Mr Hogarth grew up in different countries across Africa.

He said his love for music started to grow in him from an early age.

The father of two and a grandfather of five said he was born to parents who loved music.

“I still have a picture in my mind of my parents playing a piano together. Growing up in this kind of environment influenced me to become a member of the church choir at the age of eight in Zimbabwe. By that time, I had a good voice and I was allowed to sing solos and wedding songs,” said Mr Hogarth.

With more than 70 albums under his name, Mr Hogarth said the Grammies he won in 2007 and 2008 are at the top of his list of his achievements in music.

He said he still vividly remembers the day he received a call about the Soweto Gospel Choir.

“I was told I had to produce an urban gospel choir with an African flair at an international standard. The choir had to tour Australia in three weeks. During the tour, we were given standing ovations after all our performances,” he said.

He said even when the choir performed at the Edinburgh Festival, one of the biggest art festivals in the world, the choir received a standing ovation.

“We were on tour when we were informed that we were nominated for the Best Traditional World Music Album. We did not understand what it meant. We went there without expecting to win anything. We did not even prepare a speech. We went there to have fun. We were happy just to be nominated. When our name was called, we did not know what to do. We were overwhelmed with excitement,” said Mr Hogarth.

He added that the victory created more opportunities for him.

“It meant a lot to me. More than I could imagine. It put me on another level and more doors opened for me. When I was introduced as a Grammy winner, there was a change in the way I was received,” he said.

Mr Hogarth conducts workshops on different topics, including challenges facing the youth.

“I always encourage them to try whatever opportunity comes their way. You do not know what the future holds for you, so use the opportunities that come your way. We must use what have. We must follow our dreams and be persistent. There are skills to learn, so learn how to use them. Never assume you know it all,” he said.

He added that his success in music is 30 percent the actual music and 70 percent managing and marketing it.

“If you think you have great music and you are just waiting and hoping someone will discover you without you putting yourself forward, you going nowhere. Do research about your music. Know where you want to be and where the opportunities are so that you can get to where you want to be,” he said.

He added that he enjoys reading biographies so that he can understand what people went through to get where they are.

Mr Hogarth said that if one wants to succeed, they must learn new skills all the time and be willing to leave the comfort zone and take opportunities.