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Jonathan Mbiriyamveka Entertainment Reporter
SONGSTRESS Dudu Manhenga and percussive jazz singer Victor Kunonga are billed to perform at the 20th UNWTO General Assembly scheduled to start in the resort of Victoria Falls on August 24. The two will perform courtesy of Chicken Slice, a leading fast food chain founded by Tawanda Mutyebere, one of the several brand ambassadors for the UNWTO.
Mutyebere confirmed last week that Dudu and Kunonga will be part of the bill that will showcase Zimbabwean talent to the visitors.
“We believe that the two musicians will showcase the Zimbabwean talents in Victoria Falls since music and art are part of our culture.
“The performing artistes are not new to such gatherings and we hope they will live up to expectations,” he said.
Turning to the tourism business, Mutyebere said as Chicken Slice, they were hoping to rub shoulders with visitors and explore areas of interest.
“As Chicken Slice we still want to grow and expand into other markets and we are honoured to be part of the event because this is a platform to showcase Zimbabwean products.
“The UNWTO is primarily an opportunity to engage other people from abroad to enjoy our hospitality as well as food which is very much our specialty,” he said.
Mutyebere said his company was aiming at expanding into the region.
He said he will use the UNWTO as a platform to sell its products as well as lure other investors to come to Zimbabwe.
Dudu, as she is popularly known in music, is among the top afro-jazz artistes in Zimbabwe. She describes herself as a “60-year-old trapped in the body of a 29-year-old” when trying to explain her love for jazz music.
With five albums under her belt now and easily one of Zimbabwe’s most successful musical talents, Dudu insists she did not set out to sing jazz, but so many people told her “this is the box I belong in”.
She has toured Italy where besides staging gigs, she also undertook cultural exchange programmes during which she perfected her art.
Backed by the Color Blu, Dudu is adored by many for not just her singing but also philanthropic work in which she has used her influence as a musician to improve the lives of the poor.
Her style is influenced by great African and jazz singers and the dignity of her delivery is a credit to her and to her country, wherever she goes.
Her music has been accurately described as “an afro- jazz adventure” — a fusion of genres: afro, contemporary, Zimbabwe traditional, township, jazz, afro, Latino, and a cultural cross-breed of Zimbabwe’s rhythms and melodies, with energetic stage work and sizzling vocals.
Also a force to be reckoned with is Victor who is backed by Band Peace.
The self-taught acoustic guitarist announced his arrival on the Zimbabwe music scene in 2004 with the launch of his debut album “Such Is Life – Ndanyengetedzwa” (Persuaded).
Since then Victor’s star has risen and he has firmly established himself as one of the leading upcoming Zimbabwean artistes.
He derives inspiration from the masters of Zimbabwean music, namely superstar Oliver Mtukudzi, Thomas Mapfumo, Louis Mhlanga, and the late Chiwoniso Maraire as well as from general traditional rhythms.
Online Reporter