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times that either strengthen or break their spirit.
Cool Lifestyle was amazed by a teen star in the making – Anesu-Tendesayi Chikumba – who is set to rocket to fame with the release of her album “Open Road”.
At 19, one would expect the Upper Six student to be a big fan of hip-hop and pop music but Ney, as she is known by her fans, is no ordinary girl. After having a heart to heart with the Dominican Convent student, Cool Lifestyle had an insight into what she is all about.
Born on December 22 1994, the soulful teen prefers to call her music “Inde”, short for independent, since she believes her style is unique.
“I have been in the school’s guitar club and that is where I learnt to play the guitar. My first recording was at the age of 16 when I wrote ‘Prince of Peace’. It was a Christian song about the things that God has done for me. From then on I just kept writing until I ended up with a bunch of songs,” she said.
After engaging her parents, they found her a manager, Simbarashe Moyo, who helped her compile more songs to come up with an album. Although other songs are yet to be incorporated into another project she says they are equally good.
Listening to Ney, one can appreciate her soulful touch that is somewhat similar to seasoned singer Adele. However, what is most impressive about it is that her music is comprised of inspirational songs that uplift one’s soul. This trait is surely going to secure her a permanent place on the top spot in Zimbabwean music.
“I am passionate about my music and so decided to name my album ‘Open Road’. This is because I want to keep my life options open so that I may be able to venture into other areas as far as music is concerned,” she said.
Ney’s music has had mixed reactions from her friends but that has not made her budge an inch from what she believes in. It took a long time for her friends to come to terms with her music.
She might be a brilliant music maker but it turns out Anesu is a “brainiac”. Her school work is top priority.
“My music has not come in the way of my school work since I do it during my spare time. I would like to study finance when I go to university so music is something I will always do on a part-time basis. This is because there are no guarantees of sustaining life through it. I want to have something to fall back on at the end of the day,” Ney said.
Anesu emphasised that she hopes parents can learn from her story to encourage their children to go for it if they have talents they intend to pursue. She stresses that music keeps her head level so she has no time for mischief.
A person is given a lot to think about after listening to songs like “Prince of Peace”, “Pushing Your Heart and Promise”. The music may be cool with a low tempo but the message is inspirational and powerful.
She may be young and inexperienced but her music moves people of all ages. Even though she sings from the heart, Ney lives by her favourite – Psalms from the Bible. One of her reasons for this is because she does not want to lose herself because of the spotlight that comes with newly found fame. To this day, she has released a DVD for two songs “Rudo” and “Don’t Stop” from her album.
The videos that show the teen connecting with nature serves to put a face to her unmistakable voice.
It is only a matter of time before we see her name in lights!
Online Reporter