Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]
UK-based Zimbabwean musician Edith WeUtonga is set for one of the most exciting chapters of her international career as she takes Zimbabwean music to two of Britain’s premier folk festivals, using both performance and cultural education to introduce global audiences to the beauty, depth and complexity of the country’s rich musical traditions.
The award-winning bassist, vocalist and songwriter is performing at Broadstairs Folk Week this week before making her eagerly anticipated debut appearance at the Shrewsbury Folk Festival, which runs from August 28 to 31 at the West Mid Showground.
Adding a unique cultural dimension to her festival engagements, WeUtonga recently facilitated the “Rhythms of Zimbabwe with Edith WeUtonga Band Workshop” during Broadstairs Folk Week. The interactive session offered participants a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in Zimbabwe’s musical heritage, exploring intricate polyphonic singing, interlocking rhythms, call-and-response traditions and a repertoire of traditional songs that have been passed down through generations.
Her appearance at Broadstairs comes at a particularly significant moment in her career following the success of her critically acclaimed album, Varipasi, which earned a nomination for the 2025 Folk Album of the Year at the inaugural
Folk Music Awards, placing her among a distinguished group of internationally recognised folk artistes.
At Broadstairs, WeUtonga is being supported by acclaimed British-Indian singer-songwriter Ajay Srivastav, whose distinctive fusion of Delta Blues and Indian folk music, coupled with reflective, spiritual and meditative lyricism, has earned him recognition as one of Britain’s most compelling roots musicians.
In an interview, WeUtonga said: “It’s all hands on deck. I’m glad and honoured to be part of the 28 artistes set to perform at the Broadstairs Folk Week. This will be my second performance there. This year is special because I was asked to present a workshop on the Zimbabwean polyphonic rhythms. It comes on the backdrop of Folk Album of the Year at the inaugural Folk Music Awards,” she said.
The collaboration with Srivastav has also generated considerable anticipation ahead of the festival. Although the artistic pairing was arranged by organisers, WeUtonga believes it brings together two musicians united by a shared appreciation for heritage, storytelling and cultural expression. Their backgrounds may be shaped by different continents and traditions, but both artistes are known for creating music rooted in identity, experience and connection.
“The festival made that artistic choice. The event hasn’t taken place yet, but the pairing already feels inspired. I first came across Ajay’s music through Karmic Blues. It was one of those moments where you hear an artiste and think,
‘Ah, there’s depth here.’ Later, I kept encountering his name across the UK circuit, and eventually we met in person. There was an immediate sense of shared intention.
“Being supported by Ajay Srivastav feels incredibly energising. Ajay is a musician whose work carries deep spirit and intention, and that aligns beautifully with what I try to bring to the stage. Knowing he’ll be part of the performance creates a sense of shared purpose – two artistes drawing from heritage, storytelling and lived experience. It makes me feel held, inspired, and excited to offer the audience something truly meaningful.”
Srivastav has carved out a distinctive place within the United Kingdom’s roots music scene through songs that draw from his experiences as a British-born artiste of Indian heritage. His work seamlessly blends social commentary with messages of hope, resilience and change, creating music that speaks across cultures and generations.
For WeUtonga, the August performances represent another milestone in a career defined by artistic growth, cultural advocacy and an unwavering commitment to showcasing Zimbabwean music on the world stage. Since forming
Utonga in the early 2010s, she has established herself as one of Zimbabwe’s leading contemporary folk musicians.
Her debut 10-track album, Utonga, released the same year, quickly brought her widespread recognition, opening doors to performances at some of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated venues and festivals. Her sound draws deeply from Jiti, Chimurenga and Shona folk traditions while confidently embracing influences such as rhumba, reggae, calypso and jazz, resulting in a musical style that is both distinctly Zimbabwean and universally appealing.
Over the years, WeUtonga has graced some of Zimbabwe’s flagship arts and cultural festivals, including Intwasa Festival koBulawayo, Women in Jazz, Harvest Festival and the Harare International Festival of the Arts (Hifa), earning admiration for her powerful stage presence and authentic musical expression.
Her contribution to music has been recognised through multiple nominations for Best Female Musician at both the National Arts Merit Awards and the Zimbabwe Music Awards. In 2018, she won the Best Alternative Act award at the Bulawayo Arts Awards, further cementing her reputation as one of the country’s most innovative and influential performers.
