Mbulelo Mpofu [email protected]
BULAWAYO singer, songwriter, dancer and visual artist Luchi Shiki says her international musical experiences have broadened her creative horizons, deepened her appreciation of Zimbabwean culture and ushered her into a new phase of artistic exploration.
Shiki, who is pursuing opportunities in the United Kingdom while maintaining ties with Zimbabwe’s creative industry, believes engaging with musicians from different backgrounds has expanded her understanding of music beyond geographical boundaries.
She is preparing for An Evening with Luchi Shiki, scheduled for October 31 at the Bulawayo Theatre. She describes the concert as a celebration of personal growth and a transition towards a new artistic direction.
Her recent engagements include performing at The Pichani, participating in the Ethno Zim 2026 music workshop in Harare, and collaborating with Scoo and JustLeo on Ndwee on Her, an EP launched at The Oasis through the British Council-supported Music Connects Africa programme.
“Travelling to different continents has opened up my creativity and my love for my culture. Of course, I’ve drawn inspiration from the UK in terms of my sound, but that collection is yet to be worked on. It’s all mapped out in my head and I’m enjoying the journey,” she said.
The Phumakimi singer said touring with Black Umfolosi had taught her valuable lessons about the realities of performing in different environments, particularly the disparities in support available to artistes.
“The experience of touring has taught me how different and similar we are as performers, audiences and music lovers.
“A green room abroad is a necessity, here it’s a luxury, especially when you’re not famous. Yet, it doesn’t take a lot to be hospitable,” she said.
Her participation in Ethno Zim 2026 further strengthened her appreciation of cultural exchange. The workshop brought together musicians from different backgrounds to learn indigenous music, share ideas and explore collaboration.
Shiki said working with other musicians had always been central to her development as a songwriter and performer.
“Musical collaboration is how I learnt music, singing and songwriting. Being able to let other creatives contribute creatively to my project is a form of music collaboration,” she said.
The workshop introduced participants to indigenous musical traditions from countries including Kenya, Uganda and Malawi, exposing Shiki to sounds beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.
She said interactions with fellow musicians demonstrated the need for platforms that connect artistes across cultures.
“Collaborating is a principle I respect,” she said, adding that meaningful creative partnerships could emerge when musicians were given opportunities to connect internationally,” she said.
Despite embracing new influences, Shiki said she would continue performing her established songs while exploring fresh creative directions.
“This concert project is actually the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. I’m saying goodbye to one phase of my life and I feel myself entering another season.
“Maybe it’s Mercury retrograde or Saturn return, but whatever it is, it feels like growth,” she said.
The October 31 concert will feature music from different stages of her career, celebrating her journey while introducing audiences to the possibilities ahead.
“I’ll continue to perform my old songs because some of them are classics and some will grow on people, but there will definitely be more phases, seasons and cycles.
“This show is a celebration of my musical journey. A celebration of the power of music. A celebration of growth,” she said.
For Shiki, the next chapter is not about abandoning the past, but building on it and allowing her music to reflect the artiste she is becoming.
—@MbuleloMpofu
