Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE name Tawanda Manika might not ring a bell on the local music scene, but the talented musician has been steadily building his reputation as a sought-after session musician and educator on the international stage.
Splitting his time between Harare and London, Manika has carved out a niche for himself by promoting Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage through the mbira and other instruments, blending traditional sounds with diverse musical influences.
According to his electronic press kit (EPK), Tawanda Manika is one of Zimbabwe’s outstanding musical exports, earn-ing considerable recognition abroad despite remaining relatively unknown on his home turf.
“I am a musician based between London and Harare,” Manika says in his EPK.
“Heavily inspired by African and Afro-influenced music, I explore Zimbabwean mbira, salsa, Mandingue fusion and more, both live and on record.
“As a bassist, guitarist and percussionist, I lead ensembles, release solo offerings and undertake session work for individuals and organisations.”
Outlining his artistic vision, Manika says music education is also an important part of his career.
“Apart from performances, I am also a music educator offering private tuition, workshops and group tuition.
“My music is nourished by rhythms from around the globe, with a playful appetite for more. Embracing cosmopolitan landscapes through a proudly Afrofuturist lens, I seek to envelop listeners in stories old and new, getting to the heart of what I feel through sound.”
Buoyed by his 2025 production, Raggamuffin, Manika continues to explore his musical versatility, having played instruments on most of the tracks.
“I composed and performed guitar on the project, with the exception of ‘Lover Boi Rock’, while also contributing to arrangement and production choices throughout,” he says.
The tracklist comprises “Mash It Up”, “Lover Boi”, “Weed Song”, “Raggamuffin”, “Fly BWIA” and “Big Dreamer”.
In the same year, he recorded another production titled This Is Madness, following his 2024 project, Rising Women.
Describing the latter project, Manika says he sought to experiment with different sounds while exploring themes that resonate with audiences across cultures.
“A vibrant experimental fusion spanning soul, Afro-highlife, jazz, bossa nova and reggae, exploring deep personal and global themes of life, love, peace and freedom,” he says.
On stage, Manika has worked with several musicians, including Busi Mhlanga, whom he has collaborated with since 2023.
Besides recording for her, he occasionally accompanies her at venues around the United Kingdom, including Valley Fest and Tropical Pressure.
Despite his busy schedule, Manika has also been involved in charitable initiatives.
“I have hosted two fundraising events in support of the Kuchengetana Trust in Zimbabwe, featuring performances and poetry,” he said.
Demonstrating his versatility, Manika has collaborated with international musicians, experimenting with different sounds and musical traditions.
“I play bass and guitar with Gnawavan and Neghma, Gnawa and desert blues projects based in London.
“I have played bass and guitar for Grupo Lokito, joining them on tour in 2023/24.”
He has also featured with Angata, a Mandingue-jazz project for which he plays guitar and has performed at various venues around London.
“I also presented a trio featuring Simon Lamb on drums and Joel Paul on piano, showcasing mbira and jazz music,” he said in the EPK.
Manika’s musical journey reflects a deliberate effort to bridge Zimbabwean traditions with international influences.
Through his work as a session musician, performer and educator, he continues to create opportunities for cultural exchange, introducing audiences to the richness of Zimbabwean sounds while drawing inspiration from other musical traditions. His current ambition, according to his management team, is to replicate his international success locally and gain greater recognition in Zimbabwe, even as he continues to establish himself in the United Kingdom, where he has lived for several years.
With his versatility, Manika is not only promoting Zimbabwean music abroad but also contributing to the development of aspiring musicians through education and mentorship.
The challenge now is to translate his international experience into greater recognition at home and earn a place among Zimbabwe’s established musical talents.
