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Upcoming musician, Caroline Nyaka, who draws her inspiration from the late Mbuya Stella Chiweshe says the departed mbira queen was an icon who made it to acclaim through originality and focus.
Nyaka, who has settled in the United Kingdom as an Afro-fusion musician, revealed she was taking notes from the late mbira legend’s template.
died on January 20, 2023, aged 76.
She was given a rare traditional burial in Masembura, Bindura.
And, hardly two years after her burial, Mbuya Chiweshe’s influence continues to inspire Nyaka who is trending overseas.
Many Zimbabweans got to know her at this year’s Jamaica Independence celebration held in Birmingham City where she performed.
The 42-year-old vocalist and dancer spoke glowingly about Mbuya Chiweshe’s influence on her career.
In an interview with The Herald Arts from her base in the UK, Nyaka outlined her vision was to empower fellow Zimbabwean creatives.
“My vision as a musician is to spread the Zimbabwean sounds through our traditional instruments mbira, marimba, and hosho, and create something so unique by fusing it with other elements. Shona and other African languages need to be heard in all corners of the globe.
“I desire to also promote my Zimbabwean brothers and sisters to grace bigger stages and become internationally-renowned artistes.”
She was quick to acknowledge Mbuya Chiweshe as a role model.
“Talking about my role model and there is only one, Ambuya Stella Rambisai Nekati Chiweshe. Firstly, just her patriotism. She was an authentic daughter of the soil.
“She would perform for non-Zimbabweans around the globe who could not understand a single word of her Shona lyrics. This touched me greatly and inspired my path.”
Nyaka also hailed the late Mbuya Chiweshe for respecting her roots.
“When I was growing up, I used to say I wanted to emulate Ambuya Stella, waving my Zimbabwe flag at every opportunity.
“I am so glad that I have finally achieved that and continue to do so for the remainder of my existence. In addition to this, it was all about her costume, her hair, her dance, and culture. Just a pure Zimbabwean Empress.”
Nyaka also acknowledged British guitarist Charley Anderson for giving her exposure when she started over a decade ago.
“My breakthrough overseas came when I met the legendary Charley Anderson from the 2Tone Ska Band, who discovered me, and put me on the international stage.
“I was working for a PR company whilst at University and their female lead dropped out for their 30th anniversary show. Charley heard me singing whilst I was photocopying paperwork and printing tickets for their iconic return in Coventry and he said, we are putting you on stage with us.
“That performance is still talked about and the video on YouTube is getting good traction. I am so grateful to Anderson and he is still my adopted father and mentor to this day.”
Like any other creative working in the diaspora, Nyaka outlined her challenges.
“The main challenge I always face abroad is that of xenophobia and jealousy.
“There is this thing which irritates most foreigners for not liking the idea of an African doing anything better than them.
“We are so looked down upon, there are people who are happy to see us only suffering and failing. They like it when stereotypes are applied,” she said.
“My advice to overseas-based creatives is not to blend in, be unique.
“It would be a pity to put your whole career as a carbon. Don’t ever give up what you love doing, you can get 99 Nos and 1 yes which will change your whole life.”
But who is Caroline Nyaka?
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The songbird was born in a family of three in Avondale West, Harare on May 17, 1982.
She attended Avondale Infant and then Avondale Junior School.
Nyaka proceeded to Chitungwiza for high school in Zengeza 4 up to Advanced Level at Nyatsime College.
Her father, David Nyaka was a Zambian boxer who migrated to Zimbabwe in the late 70s while her mother, Joyce Patricia Chananda, was a police constable.
“I would say my calling as a musician stems right back at Avondale Primary School where I was in the choir.
“I even remember the music teachers Mrs Reynolds and later on Mrs Bare.
“I would often be given solo parts in plays and musicals and do my own versions of given songs,” recalled Nyaka, who was also in the Scripture Union.
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