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Chimanga performs on Swedish cruise ship

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ZIMBABWE’S internationally acclaimed drummer and singer Blessing Chimanga, popularly known as Blade, is in Sweden on a month-long cruise where he will perform aboard a ship until March 31.

ZIMBABWE’S internationally acclaimed drummer and singer Blessing Chimanga, popularly known as Blade, is in Sweden on a month-long cruise where he will perform aboard a ship until March 31.

Report by Jairos Saunyama

Chimanga is the only Zimbabwean who is part of 15 entertainers set to perform on the cruise.

Speaking from Stockholm, Chimanga confirmed the development saying: “I am currently in Stockholm, Sweden, until end of March. I am performing on a cruise ship in a production called Mother Africa which consists of 15 other members from Tanzania, Ghana and Ethiopia.

“I am the only one from Zimbabwe and I will be playing drums, marimba and singing. The other 15 are acrobats, dancers and circus performers,” he said.

The former Prince Edward Jazz Band member said he clinched the deal courtesy of one Theressa Muteta who is based in Austria after he impressed during a show at the Book Café recently.

“A fellow Zimbabwean sister, Theresa Muteta, helped me get the deal as she is also part of Mother Africa’s touring team and currently she is in Austria.

“This was after a thundering session of Ngoma Negitare at Book Café, a show that featured me on drums and Tariro on the guitar.

“I really can’t believe that I am going to take part in such a big show in Sweden and I am proud to lift the Zimbabwe flag high.”

Chimanga started professional music in 2006 when he played for the late Sam Mtukudzi. Since then he has played with other musicians like Josh Meck, Bob Nyabinde, Hope Masike, Dudu Manhenga, Chiwoniso Maraire, Tariro Negitare, Eric Wainaina (Kenya), Ray Phiri (South Africa), The Kokos (Norway), Ary Morais (Norway), Pastor G and Chikwata 263.

He has also performed at international events such as Harare International Festival of the Arts, Festival in Botswana, Stubbetorpet Festival in Sweden and Winter Jazz Festival.

He has had the privilege to share the stage with artistes such as Oliver Mtukudzi, Maraire, Victor Kunonga, Cocktail Slippers (Norway), Hugh Masekela (South Africa), Pastor Donnie McCklukin (US) and Benjamin Dube (SA).

He is also the founder of the Let The Drums Speak contest, an annual festival where artistes showcase their drum playing skills.