Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
FELISTUS “Feli Nandi” Chipendo has expressed discomfort with being labelled a “successful female artiste”.
The multi-talented creative firmly believes that this designation carries connotations suggesting that her success stems from her gender or sympathy rather than her talent.
Feli Nandi emphasised her desire to be recognised simply as an “artiste” or “musician,” like her peers.
She made this point clear at the 2025 Kadoma Music Festival held at The Odyssey, where she delivered yet another remarkable masterclass.
Her captivating performance is set to remain etched in the minds of many for years to come, reinforcing her argument.
“It doesn’t make sense to me when people keep referring to me as a “successful female artiste” because it carries serious implications if you read between the lines,” she stated.
“The first impression I get is that many people think we are favoured because of our gender or that we are not good enough.
“It has been painful for me for months because I just want to be known as an artiste who rose to acclaim through hard work, not gender. I have been steadily building this empire for years, and it is due to my hard work, not my gender.”
The “Mubayeyi” hitmaker expressed her frustration with the stereotypes artistes face. “We need to move away from this behaviour of looking down on artistes and classifying them by gender.
“In my case, I have been working hard to be where I am, and I will continue to do so for the growth of my success. I will keep working hard, and I want to be remembered for the good work we have done over the years,” she stressed.
She also told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub that her consistency is a result of hard work and collaborations.
“I am someone who sets goals and I hardly disappoint when it comes to meeting my targets.
“One of the things I have done over the years to ensure I meet my targets is through teamwork and clearly drawing out my goals. I make sure to stick to my goals, and everything that comes thereafter is a bonus for me and my team.”
As a multitasking individual involved in music production, fashion and design, catering and mentoring, she noted that it takes a lot of hard work to succeed.
“To be honest with you, I have a clear programme that outlines my roles, and I have been fulfilling them despite some challenges.” Like I said earlier, I don’t work alone; I am supported by a dedicated team, and we have managed to achieve all this as a group of hard workers,” she noted.
To think she started from the bottom, the former Mhodzi Tribe backing vocalist and dancer has surpassed stereotypes and conquered challenges.
“I have always challenged myself to be outstanding in whatever I am doing, and that alone gives me the edge to excel.
“I have started from the bottom and have been patient enough, knowing my time to shine will come.
“After this breakthrough, I still feel the need to keep the momentum by working hard to be counted among the best,” she added.
Five years ago, Feli Nandi hoped from band to band looking for fame and eventually settled with Ashton “Mbeu” Nyahora’s camp.
They worked together for months, but the musical romance ended in a nasty fashion when she was dismissed for alleged indiscipline.
Several people who had seen her talent at Mbeu and other groups began to follow her.
United Kingdom-based comedian Prosper “Comic Pastor” Ngomashi was the first to record her musical videos for free as a way of empowering her.
He assumed the “father-figure” role for Feli Nandi, who was just an ordinary backing vocalist chasing her dreams.
In no time, she became a household name, winning awards at both the NAMAs and ZIMAs.
