adminher age. The Grade Seven student at Moffat Primary School, in Arcadia, has thrilled music lovers since she started out some two years ago.
She participated at “Sistaz Open Mic” a talent showcase organised by Pamberi Trust. The talent showcase is where the likes of Chiwoniso Maraire, Dudu Manhenga, and Hope Masike were nurtured.
Like most seasoned musicians, Tendai first discovered her love for music after listening to renowned Chiwoniso’s music at home and would recite poems at prize giving days at school.
“I fell in love with traditional music through my father who used to play Chiwoniso’s songs at home. I felt inspired and then started reciting poems at school functions before I ventured into music,” she beamed.
The love for music saw her learning the ropes under the tutelage of her former teacher Trymore Jumbo in Mabelreign.
“Mr Jumbo taught me music in 2011 but my studies were short-lived because he had to go abroad together with the group ‘Bongo Love’ and this forced me to look for another music teacher who happened to be Brezhnev Guvheya,” said Mavengeni.
Her type of music is mbira dzevadzimu.
“There are different types of mbira including ‘Nyunga nyunga’ which is easy to learn, then there is ‘Dzevadzimu’ played during appeasement ceremonies and my favourite
called ‘Nhare’. This type of music is very hard
to play and if one wishes to learn it they should be focused because it has 22 keys,” she emphasised.
Her road to stardom has been long and winding.
“There have been many challenges since l have to look for money for the projects. If it wasn’t for my parents’ support I would have not made it this far. I have recorded my debut five-track album titled ‘Spirit of My Destiny’ due for release anytime soon.”
The hottest tracks to look forward to include the title track, “Spirit of My Destiny”, “Africa”, “Girl Child” and “Kushungurudzwa”.
In her music she talks about a number of issues, including all forms of abuse poised to the girl child. Though, she prefers to be a medical doctor after school, Mavengeni said she will be juggling between school and music.
She hopes to make it big on the international stage.
Online Reporter