Ammara eyes foreign stars

Takudzwa Chihambakwe

AMMARA Brown has not dropped a lot of material in the past 18 months.

But, the barefoot goddess, as she is affectionately known by her fans, has not been inactive.

She is still very much at it.

Ammara was the host of this year’s well-executed edition of the National Arts Merit Awards (Nama).

She is also currently on television as one of the judges in the second season of the “Old Mutual Amazing Voices”.

And the award-winning musician has capitalised on her participation in the latter show to line up some collaborations, particularly with renowned South Africa afro-pop star Vusi Nova.

Speaking in an interview with The Sunday Mail Society, Ammara said there was work in progress behind the scenes.

“We have had such beautiful moments singing our hearts out in between shooting of the show and I am sure we will definitely get into the studio and produce something,” she said.

“I am in the process of video shoots and also doing some recordings.”

The South African artiste, Vusi, has been so keen on working with the Zimbabwean artiste.

“We have been talking about doing a song together for a while now. I believe it is just a matter of time,” said Vusi, who is currently in the studio working on a new project.

Ammara is also expected to link with a number of foreign artistes during her stint with the “Old Mutual Amazing Voices” competition.

Meanwhile, there are now five groups left in the battle for the US$100 000 cash prize in the talent search show.

Amongst the five are two groups from Zimbabwe – The Unveiled and Effect.

South Africa also has two groups that are still in the competition, while the fifth act is from Nigeria.

Ammara and Vusi feel the talent search platform gives them a rare opportunity to share relevant tips with upcoming musicians.

“Over the past two seasons, I have realised that one ends up getting emotionally attached to groups that are not even from their country. It is more than about where you are from. There is energy that you get from particular performers that makes you want to care.

“So, while I will be rooting for groups from my country, I will not hesitate to give them harsh comments when they fail to deliver,” said the Zimbabwean musician.

However, the “Wachu Want” singer revealed how she was really proud of groups from her home country.

“I am really proud of the Zimbabwean groups in the competition this year. I am really surprised as to how strong our contestants are. They have managed to deliver under very tough circumstances. . .

“When we were still budding talents, we had the privilege of having platforms such as the Book Café that allowed artistes to grow and interact with audiences, but such facilities are no longer there.

“When you look at the continent as a whole, when you look at the artistes that are supposed to be superstars today, you feel they are in a crisis because they don’t have enough platforms, and I think Amazing Voices plays that role.

“Not only do the acts get a platform, but there is a reward and a lot of publicity. This is an opportunity that many artistes would definitely want.”

Vusi added: “I feel like most African countries do not have platforms to showcase rising stars. There are many people out there that want to be heard but they just do not know how and where to begin, and such platforms play that crucial role.”