HARARE’S Reps Theatre will reverberate to the sounds of Carmen Hwarari when she launches her latest and second album titled Listen on Saturday.
The album comes six years after Hwarari’s debut album, I Call To You, released in 2017.
Hwarari revealed that the 12-track album is a multi-faceted musical journey that explores the rich tapestry of African culture and human experiences.
Divided into compelling sections, the album delves into themes of identity, societal norms, women and children’s rights and the transformative power of love.
“The album is an artistic endeavour that celebrates Africa’s heritage, while addressing pertinent issues with captivating performances, monologues, poetry and cathartic storytelling. Listen promises to inspire reflection and unity through the universal language of music,” Hwarari said.
As a show of unity among artistes, Hwarari collaborated with Malawian musician and poet Q Malewezi, seasoned singer and poet Albert Nyathi, Afrojazz singer Dereck Mpofu and Mokoomba’s Matias Muzaza.
Mpofu is featured on the song Arise Africa, the legendary Nyathi on MaAfrica, Muzaza on Bwela and a poem The Good Wife written by Malewezi.
- Bulawayo dance group wins Chibuku dance fest
- Hwarari explores the rich tapestry of African culture
Keep Reading
At the launch, which promises to be a vibrant musical experience, the award-winning dance troupe, Iyasa and Hwarari’s 11-year-old daughter will be part of performers.
Born and raised in Bulawayo with a deep passion for music and the arts, Hwarari was drawn to the stage at a tender age. After graduating from Midlands State University in 2010, Hwarari continued her journey with fellow students in the group African Destiny.
She had the privilege of collaborating with such esteemed figures in the Zimbabwean music industry as Busi Ncube, Willis Wataffi, the late Andy Brown and Adam Chisvo, among others.
Hwarari is forever thankful to Busi Ncube as integral to her growth.
“Busi introduced me to the fuller music scene in Harare. As a student from MSU, she helped me with my attachment at Thulani Promotions and I met lots of big artistes and had a chance to work with them,” she recalled.
“She has been integral in so many ways. I have worked with her on her projects and toured with her.”
Hwarari’s musical exploits have seen her tour various countries such as Norway, Sweden, India, Angola, Zambia and South Africa.
Besides performing, she also shares her expertise as a vocal, traditional dance and mbira coach. She has worked as a music teacher at Harare International School, the International Preparatory School in Mauritius and is currently teaching at the Bishop Mackenzie International School in Malawi.
“It is this lifelong affair with music that propels my desire to inspire young minds, but also the world at large on this whimsical musical journey. To me all the world is a stage,” Hwarari said.
