Tinaye Agere
Melissa Mpofu
Arts and Entertainment Hub
AS Women’s Month comes to an end, Mbira artiste Hope Masike has concluded the celebration on a positive note by expressing her appreciation for fellow musician Feli Nandi.
Masike praised Nandi for her role in inspiring other women, demonstrating that their aspirations can be realised, as evidenced by the successful release of her second album, Ndisiyei, over the weekend.
The album launch, held in Harare, was a resounding success, drawing a packed audience.
In a remarkable show of support, attendees collectively purchased the album for more than US$15 000.
“Huge congratulations to Feli Nandi for a successful album launch over the weekend,” Masike wrote in celebration of the milestone.
She expressed pride in Feli’s achievements, highlighting how the singer has become a powerful voice for women in the music industry, defying long-standing barriers.
“We grew up in eras where, firstly, there were far fewer women musicians, let alone successful ones. Then came a time when more women entered the industry, but the unfortunate reality remained: ‘we lack support’ and face many challenges in a male-dominated space,” said Masike.
She praised Feli as a game-changer, redefining the music landscape.
“Feli Nandi Chipendo ushers in a new era! In an industry that’s notoriously tough, she effortlessly fills up 7 Arts Theatre. She is among the so-called Big 5, consistently appearing on major line-ups across the country. She runs a thriving music business and continues to deliver well-packaged, well-marketed music to her fans. She is breaking the glass ceiling, y’all!”
Masike concluded her tribute by celebrating the impact of women like Feli in the arts.
“Ladies and gentlemen, a new era is here! Happy Women’s Month! Cheers to the bullhorn-grabbing, glass-ceiling-breaking and system-disrupting women of our time — women like Feli Nandi.”
Born Felistus Chipendo, Feli Nandi is a rising star in Zimbabwean music, who has made a significant impact with her soulful Afro-fusion sound.
Starting as a backing vocalist for Blessing Chimanga and Mbeu, she transitioned into a successful solo career and earned widespread recognition.
Beyond music, Feli Nandi is known for her entrepreneurial acumen.
She runs a thriving fashion brand and restaurant under her name.
Her influence extends beyond entertainment, as she continues to inspire women in a male-dominated industry, breaking barriers and setting new standards for female musicians in Zimbabwe.
True to Masike’s words, the local entertainment landscape has been challenging for many women.
However, several trailblazers have pushed boundaries and made significant strides.
Among them are the late Chiwoniso Maraire, a legendary mbira musician who popularised traditional Zimbabwean music globally; the late Mbuya Stella Chiweshe, a pioneering mbira queen celebrated for her mastery of the traditional sound; and Hope Masike, a modern mbira songstress known as the Princess of Mbira.
Others include Sandra Ndebele, a dynamic Afro-pop and dance artiste; Ammara Brown, a versatile singer-songwriter blending Afro-fusion and pop; and Selmor Mtukudzi, daughter of the legendary Oliver Mtukudzi, who has built a strong presence in Afro-jazz.
Additionally, a new generation of talented women is making waves, including Tamy Moyo, Nkwali, Shashl, Noluntu J, Vuyo Brown, Novuyo Seagirl and Mimmie Tarukwana, all of whom continue to redefine the music scene in Zimbabwe
Online Reporter