Afro jazz singer defies the odds

Trust Khosa

AUDREY Dangirwa, a visually impaired lawyer turned Afro-fusion artiste, has defied the odds and embraced her passion for music.

The 33-year-old, who lost her sight while in Grade 6, had always loved music from a tender age. Despite being academically gifted and studying Law at the University of Zimbabwe, she never abandoned her musical dream, which has now come to pass.

The soft-spoken songbird has just released a single featuring Derreck Mpofu, which is set to propel her to acclaim.

Before this single was released, she produced an EP (Extended Play) titled Ngatigashire, which contained three tracks: “Gondo,” “Nhayi Mwari,” and the title track, “Ngatigashire.”

Although she launched her professional career in her 30s, she relishes her rise in a field where many doubted her potential.

In an interview with The Herald Arts, Audanna — as the new Afro-jazz star is known — emphasised her determination to significantly impact in this genre.

“Growing up, I loved music, with the likes of living legend Baba Mechanic Manyeruke, the late Lucky Dube, and Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi being my heroes.

“I will always respect these heroes because they sang from the bottom of their hearts. In my early career as a musician, I am determined to learn from some of the greatest pioneers of this game who made it to the top,” she said.

Outlining her vision as an artiste, Audanna stated that she is eyeing international acclaim. “Penetrating the international market is a dream that I carry every day. I am lucky that I worked with a professional team and professional producers — Clive “Mono” Mukundu and Derreck Mpofu. The pair helped me a lot when I recorded my song “Ngatiwirarane,” she said.

Narrating how she lost her sight, Audanna explained, “I was not born blind, but I had glaucoma, which worsened when I was in Grade 6 at Wadzanai Primary School in Kambuzuma, Harare.

“It was in 2003, and I accepted the condition with the support of my family. My family transferred me to Waddilove High School, where I finished A’Level and proceeded to study Law after passing Divinity, History, and Shona with flying colours.”

She also advised people with disabilities to defy the odds and fulfil their potential.

“As I indicated earlier, I can do what others are doing despite my blindness. I have accepted this condition and moved on.

“I am actually doing better in all that I am doing, and that alone can motivate others. I studied at one of the revered learning institutions, and I can also do music like others. I thank my family for ensuring that I fulfil my dreams, and they are proud of me.”

Born into a family of three girls, Audanna is confident about leaving a legacy. “My beautiful story as a musician and academic was made possible because of God’s protection. As a breadwinner and role model, I want to ensure that my family name is put on the world map for good reasons. As a lawyer, I also want to leave a legacy and encourage other ladies in my condition to pursue this profession,” she said.

The multi-tasking woman explained that she balances her time well.

“Time management is critical in every sphere of life because it determines what we are going to achieve in the future.

“In my case, I plan my activities with the assistance of my manager and family. Overall, it is God who has made me what I am today, and I don’t regret it because I am here to serve a purpose and change other people’s lives through music,” she stressed.

As a family woman and hardworking artiste, Audanna’s management has lined up a series of shows for her.

“We are busy with my management team planning our schedule for the year. Last year, we had an opportunity to perform at Mono Mukundu’s book launch at Alliance Francaise in Harare, and we had a blast there. “It opened many doors for us. Dr. Farai Moyana offered to sponsor the recording of new songs, and he has since fulfilled that. Of course, I am yet to assemble a band, but when the need to perform comes, we always devise a plan,” she added. Buoyed by her powerful song writing technique, music arrangement, and, of course, her wondrous voice, which joyously cries to the clouds, Audanna is one of Zimbabwe’s songbirds destined for the stars.

She is simply an amazing star in her own right.