ROOTED in tradition and shaped by international experience, UK-based Zimbabwean musician Kenny Taguta has released his debut album, Tauya Naye, marking a defining milestone in a career that began in childhood and has since grown across borders.
Taguta, who has been based in the United Kingdom for a number of years, traces his musical journey back to the late 1970s when he joined a percussion band while a pupil at Chinhoyi Government Primary School.
“My musical journey started at a quite tender age when I was in junior school after I enrolled in the percussion band in the late 70s,” he said.
“My mother was so instrumental in moulding my talent as we always sang traditional songs with her and in church as well.”
Those early influences laid the foundation for his transition into mainstream music.
Taguta’s sound is described by fans as a fusion of traditional Zimbabwean rhythms and modern instrumentation, with a strong emphasis on the mbira. While he credits past generations of musicians for paving the way, he believes he has crafted a distinct musical identity.
“The observation and description from my fans and the general audience speak of a blend of traditional instruments with more emphasis on the mbira instrument, which I fuse with modern instruments. I believe so far I have managed to come out with a fresh brand of my own sound in identity as an independent musician,” he added.
The eight-track album was officially launched on January 31, 2026, during a live broadcast on ZBC’s Radio Zimbabwe — a moment he described as deeply emotional.
- Mai Zee Music makes shockwaves
- King Isaac is back!
- From Chinhoyi to the UK: Taguta unveils debut album
Keep Reading
“It was quite an exciting experience of planting a seed of my product from my home soil. It gave me an attachment to my fans who were with me at my foundation.”
Listeners can expect what he calls “a soothing brand of fresh Zimbabwean-flavoured tunes” appealing across generations.
Having lived in the UK for years, Taguta noted the contrast between the European and Zimbabwean music industries, particularly in institutional support.
“In England and other surrounding nations in Europe, music is treated as an industry that takes a portion of the economy,” he said, adding that structured music education and youth development programmes give young artistes opportunities he and many of his peers did not fully access.
Although he was recruited under a national youth programme in Mashonaland West, he was unable to pursue formal studies due to various constraints.
The album launch was attended by veteran musician Cannan Kamoyo, who scouted Taguta during the Music Crossroads talent programme, as well as Philip Svosve and Eunice Kapandura. Kamoyo expressed admiration for Taguta’s artistic growth.
Ahead of the full release, Taguta dropped two singles — Ndinotsvaga Wangu and Mandivavarira — to test the market. Ndinotsvaga Wangu explores the search for true love, while Mandivavarira is a plea for liberation from life’s tribulations. The rest of the album carries themes of peace, love and harmony.
Reflecting on his journey, Taguta credited endurance, patience and persistence for his progress.
He advised emerging artistes to avoid drug abuse, remain disciplined and prioritise both creativity and education.
Among his career highlights are securing a corporate contract with National Breweries in the late 2000s with his former band Chirorodziva Crew and performing in Birmingham in August 2025 as part of Blacks Unlimited during Doctor Thomas’ farewell show.
Looking ahead, Taguta — also known as Culture-K — says fans can expect more recording projects, collaborations and a planned national tour before expanding to regional and international stages.
