Takawira ‘Photovet’ Dapi
Youth Interactive Correspondent
A 17-year-old Form Four learner at Mount St Mary’s Mission Boarding School in Hwedza is dreaming big.
Mitchel Nokutenda Kangwa has boldly declared her ambition to conquer international music stages as a choir conductor.
Kangwa strongly believes she has a special calling as a choir conductor, a talent she hopes will take her places.
She recently left guests spellbound with her conducting skills at her school’s prize-giving day, where Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga was the guest of honour.
She performed effortlessly, demonstrating her natural flair for music and demonstrating that she is on the right path to fulfilling her dream.
In an interview, Kangwa chronicled her musical journey and spoke about how her passion for conducting began.
“My name is Mitchel Nokutenda Kangwa. I am 17 years old. I am the first born in a family of three. I live with both my parents in Parkview. I started singing at the age of five,” she said.
She also revealed that she was a versatile musician with experience in different vocal parts.
“I am a vocalist, and I sing three parts, namely soprano, tenor and alto. I grew up surrounded by vocalists, including my father, who inspired me to become who I am today. Being surrounded by people who express themselves through music awakened my inner voice,” she said.
She added:
“It all started in the Roman Catholic Church at All Saints Kambuzuma, where, at a very young age, the church recognised my talent and nurtured it.
“I started conducting choirs when I was 11 because I found it interesting and enjoyable. I love singing in church because it draws me closer to God through prayer.
“I was invited to join ROMAC, one of the best Catholic choral groups in the country. This gave me an opportunity to perform at big events such as the St Ignatius Festival, which boosted my confidence.
“I am excited to receive such continuous thunderous applause from this huge gathering, with the Vice President as our guest of honour. I am now inspired to perform on global music stages as a choir conductor, singer, vocalist, choreographer and music business director.”
Kangwa vowed to remain committed to fulfilling her passion, saying she believes her talent could open doors to greater opportunities.
“I feel my passion for music can take me to greater heights, and my career has only just begun. Moments of recognition like these can be the beginning of a great story.
“I believe my story is engraved in music, which is why I did not think twice about the interview. I want my passion for music to become part of my daily life and possibly a career path. It would be a great honour to represent the country someday and raise the Zimbabwean flag high through music,” she said.
Despite her young age, Kangwa is already setting her sights on a future that extends beyond the local music scene.
With her experience in church choirs, exposure to major performances and determination to keep improving, she hopes to use every opportunity to sharpen her skills.
For the aspiring conductor, music is more than a talent; it is a calling she hopes will enable her to inspire others while showcasing Zimbabwean musical talent on the international stage.
