AFRO-JAZZ teen songbird Princess Makunzva is pleased to have achieved her desire at a tender age of 18 after she recently launched her debut five-track album, Chinonzi Rega at Mubaiwa Hotel in Chitungwiza.
BY LIFE&STYLE REPORTER
The dreadlocked singer laid her musical foundation at the age of 11 when she was part of the Hunyani Baptist Convention of Zimbabwe praise and worship team. Her rich voice, lyrical prowess and mbira playing skills exhibits a singer who is destined for great heights.
In an interview with NewsDay Life & Style yesterday, Makunzva said her musical career was shaped by the desire to showcase her appreciation of culture through music.
“I know it is not going to be that easy to make it, especially as a female in this male-dominated music industry, but I will put all my effort to show that I am not a push over as I seek to celebrate my culture through music,” she said.
The Chitungwiza-bred singer said she would not be dispirited even though she had being ridiculed for her affection of culture and traditional mbira (Nyonga Nyonga) instrument.
“I have been ridiculed because of the love of my culture and my affection to the mbira instrument. Apart from the traditional instrument, I am also a victim of mock over the dreadlocks as some folks associate the two, (mbira and dreadlocks) for someone who gets possessed,” she said.
Makunzva said she wants to be recognised as among veteran female artistes such as Chiwoniso Maraire and Hope Masike who are renowned for their mbira playing proficiency. Songs on the mbira fused album recorded by Tony Fresh are title track Chinonzi Rega, Mhiri Kwemakungwa, Vari Mudande, Une Rudo and Mwana Anoita Rombe.
