AFRO-jazz sensation, Edith WeUtonga (pictured) yesterday said women in the music industry were capable of working together and fighting for space in the male-dominated industry.
BY WINSTONE ANTONIO
As a way of trying to position themselves in the male-dominated music industry, amid allegations that music promoters discriminate female artistes, WeUtonga and Diana “MaNgwenya” Samkange have joined forces for An Evolution of Women concert.
A renowned female bassist, WeUtonga told NewsDay Life & Style that An Evolution of Women concert set for Saturday at Bar Rouge, Longcheng Plaza in Harare, was an initiative that showed female artistes could join hands for a better cause.
“Women in music have been accused of not working together, or supporting each other. Diana and I have evolved in many ways than one. We are the crop that is not going to wait for things to be done for us, but will create opportunities for those behind and around us,” she said.
“A date with Diana and Edith at this concert is certainly a yardstick to measure the artistry of the female breed of musicians, proving they have the requisite experience between them to be the rightful custodians of a genre of music that is steeply rooted in a sound so Zimbabwean, yet with an international appeal.”
Keep Reading
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
In a music scene that seemed to have confined women artistes to such feminine instruments like mbira and hosho, WeUtonga has exhibited exceptional talent of playing the bass guitar, while Samukange has proved she is not a push over in the industry.
The duo have also grown their following beyond the borders.
Samukange will be performing at this concert fresh from her Zanzibar tour, where she performed at the esteemed Sauti za Busara Festival, the premiere music Festival of East Africa, while WeUtonga recently performed at Uteo International Festival in Nairobi, Kenya, alongside African heavyweights such as Fally Ipupa, Veux Farka Toure and Mory Kante, among others.