Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
MBIRA queen Chiwoniso Maraire may have died 13 years ago, at the age of 37, but she still remains a source of inspiration to many in her industry.
Known for her powerful compositions and timeless classics such as “Nhemamusasa,” “Iwai Nesu,” and “Mai,” Chiwoniso’s beautiful voice continues to dominate the airwaves.
One of the upcoming creatives, who has learnt a lot from her, is Tanaka Munemo, better known as Nina X.
She still cherishes her role model who represented the girl child in the creative sector with distinction.
The 26-year-old recently featured in Tapiwa “Maselo” Jera’s Chimurenga riddim and composed the track “Donhodzo.”
Nina X’s manager, Russel Mavudzi, spoke glowingly of the songbird, who has relocated from Harare to Mutoko.
“Nina X is a special talent that I have been managing for some time now,” Mavudzi told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
“She is a versatile musician who can sing Afro-fusion, jazz, and trade.
“I feel she is the new voice and face of the much-needed authentic sound that represents us as Zimbabweans.
“I strongly believe she is the future and has what it takes to reach great heights.
“She was also inspired by the late Chiwoniso Maraire.”
Nina X, who has been releasing a series of singles, could not hide her admiration for the late Maraire.
“My role model remains Chiwoniso Maraire because she was not only a source of inspiration to her family, but to the creative sector as a whole.
“We all loved her.
“I am now being managed by Russel, who understands my vision.
“He is also my husband, by the way, and everything that we do, we do as a couple.
“I am now based in Mutoko, where I am working and I thoroughly enjoy my job and my music as well.”
Asked how she manages music, work and other side hustles, Nina X said:
“I have a supportive manager who has made my job easier than before. Of course, we moved from Marlborough in Harare to Mutoko, but we are still making music.
“Music is something I love and I will continue doing what I love the most as an artist.”
Nina X added:
“To be honest, my wish is to see my brand growing and to make a living from this career.
“I know a lot of hard work, innovation and aggressive marketing are needed but we will continue working hard.
“I love my music and that alone has made my job easier.”
Under the management of Mavudzi, Nina X is in safe hands.
Mavudzi has managed several musicians, including Gary Tight Emmanuel “Mannex” Motsi, and many others.
He has also been grooming fellow musicians’ managers, a task that has endeared him to many artists.
With Nina X under his wing, many people can foresee a bright future and continued progress in her career.
In honouring Maraire’s legacy and building her own sound, Nina X is proving that authentic artistry still has a place in today’s music scene.
Mathew Masinge