Masvingo-based jazz artist Blessing Maramba says he is determined to expand his brand internationally.
Currently, the musician is working on a masterpiece titled Sanganai (Hlanganani) for the Sanganai Hlanganani Tourism Expo, to be held this year in Masvingo.
Maramba said he was focused on cementing his international trajectory.
“I have been working really hard to expand the reach of my brand to territories I have never visited before, particularly international festivals and galas, by positioning the brand on a new landscape,” he said.
“ So far, I have travelled to at least two international festivals—one in Asia and one in Europe—and a third regionally in Namibia, cementing this intentional growth curve.”
He noted that these steps in his musical journey have been instrumental in shaping his career.
“In all honesty, the particular projects I have taken on have opened my eyes to endless possibilities,” Maramba said.
“Firstly, they made me aware of my major strength as a lively performer. I have performed to diverse audiences, such as the Chinese, who knew neither my language nor my music but stayed on their feet, enjoying the performance and asking for more.
- Masvingo jazz maestro sets sights on global stage s
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“At a particular festival in Turkey, I was given an extra slot because the crowd demanded more.
“That alone made me realise I was a force to be reckoned with, but I was limiting myself. This changed the way I look at myself as an artist; now I am more bold.”
Maramba has also seen significant success at home. “I have hosted two major events: a family show which left the city buzzing with energy, and an amazing EP launch, which saw the business community offer incredible support. Figures like Bulls Gas and Doc Masinire came out in full support, not forgetting the ever-supportive Allan Shumba, who bid over US$1 000 for the EP. Such support has made me realize the brand is now at a level where it can compete among the best in the country,” the musician said.
One of his proudest moments was performing in Beijing. A major spark for him was the realisation that he was playing for an audience of Chinese nationals rather than Zimbabwean expatriates. He described this as a “Eureka” moment.
He has since released an EP and a single; the EP, Nakai, was released late last year. He is currently shooting music videos for several tracks from the EP, which he believes will change the Masvingo musical landscape and elevate how the province is perceived in terms of arts and culture.
Maramba added that he has become an inspiration to fellow musicians. “I feel I have inspired people to be bold,” he said.
“The success I have had has encouraged other artists to be forthcoming and brave. In the city, I have seen a resurgence of several bands, which is excellent for the growth of the province.
“Moreover, the audience has grown to trust local artists more, and attendance at local shows has risen significantly compared to previous years.
“Because my music is authentic, these life stories have helped me gain loyal fans who seek organic and meaningful music.”
Currently, he is working tirelessly on his contribution to the Sanganai Hlanganani Tourism Expo.
“I have penned a masterpiece that I believe will garner traction and sell Masvingo and Zimbabwe as one of the best tourism destinations in the world, using a blend of local languages and cultures. The song seeks to promote Zimbabwe as a destination, especially after it was named by Forbes as a top tourism destination for 2025”.
The song is yet to be released as Maramba is currently seeking resources to produce high-quality visuals.
Production and travel costs have put the visual work on hold, and he is looking for partners to help showcase the country’s beauty.
To date, Maramba has released three EPs — The Birth (four songs), Identity (six songs), and Nakai (six songs), alongside several singles.
