Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo-Zimpapers Entertainment Editor
THERE’S a global rhythm-shifting, and it’s undeniably feminine.
From Beyoncé’s record-breaking Renaissance World Tour in the United States, which became a cultural movement of empowerment and spectacle, to Nigeria’s Tiwa Savage, who made history as the first African woman to perform at King Charles III’s coronation, women are not just participating in the global entertainment story; they are authoring it.
Across music, fashion, and film, women are reclaiming the stage and redefining what leadership, art and influence look like. Now Zimbabwean women are joining that global conversation, proving that the same pulse of power and presence beats strongly in Harare.
The upcoming show, “Nubian Notes: Mambo Kadzi — The Rise of Her Sound”, set for tomorrow at the Harare International Conference Centre, is poised to be one of the most defining cultural moments in the country’s entertainment history.
The all-femaale showcase brings together five of Zimbabwe’s most formidable voices: Feli Nandi, Tamy Moyo, Gemma Griffiths, Shashl and Nisha Ts, in what many are calling a “Beyoncé-meets-Coachella” type of production.
Adding more star power to the night will be Star FM’s top radio personality, KVG, who takes on the role of master of ceremonies. Her involvement cements Nubian Notes as a premium celebration of women’s excellence across music, media, and culture.
Social media has gone into overdrive ahead of the event. From Instagram reels to TikTok dance trends, the online space is flooded with excitement as fans, influencers, and local celebrities rally behind the cause of women’s empowerment in the arts, courtesy of the show.
Hashtags such as #MamboKadzi, #HerSoundRising, and #NubianNotes are trending, and if online enthusiasm translates into ticket sales, the concert could make history as the first all-female lineup to fill the HICC.
That would be a symbolic victory, a declaration that Zimbabwean women can command the country’s biggest stage and draw just as much attention, love, and revenue as their male counterparts.
Over the past few years, female-led festivals have been quietly rewriting Zimbabwe’s cultural calendar. Events like Doek and Slay, She Festival, and Women in Music have not only celebrated sisterhood but also proven that women can successfully mobilise audiences and sponsors.
These platforms have created spaces where women don’t just perform; they lead, produce, and redefine what performance means. Nubian Notes is emerging as the natural evolution of that momentum, taking the message from outdoor gatherings to one of Zimbabwe’s most prestigious stages.
Feli Nandi and Nisha Ts
The word Nubian carries rich historical significance. It refers to the ancient Nubian Kingdom, once ruled by queens and known for its beauty, intellect, and power — a fitting metaphor for this new generation of Zimbabwean women in music. Paired with the Shona word Kadzi, meaning “woman,” the title Mambo Kadzi translates to “Queen Woman” — a fusion of heritage and modern self-definition.
One can say that the concert, therefore, is more than entertainment; it’s a statement of identity, a reclamation of narrative, and a continuation of African legacy through contemporary artistry. Each performer on the line-up embodies a distinct chapter in this story of empowerment.
Feli Nandi, the reigning queen of afro-chic, is known for merging traditional aesthetics with modern sound. Her bold prints and elegant stage costumes have become as iconic as her voice. Through her music and fashion, Feli continues to affirm African pride while challenging stereotypes about femininity and success.
Nisha Ts, who represents a younger, urban generation, is unapologetically authentic. “My performance is inspired by staying true to yourself, no matter what the world expects of me,” she said. “I want the audience to feel empowered, seen, and reminded that their voice matters.”
For Nisha, music is an act of defiance, and her message goes beyond the microphone. “We are no longer waiting for permission to take up space,” she added. “We are telling our own stories, building our own platforms, and breaking barriers across all genres. The change is powerful, and for us, it is only the beginning.”
Shashl brings her signature bohemian flair to the mix. Her free-spirited nature and creative fashion sense mirror the diversity of her sound — a refreshing blend of Afro-soul, pop, and contemporary fusion.
She is known for experimenting with texture, tone, and rhythm, and her stage presence often feels like a visual extension of her music—soft, bold, and unpredictable.
Gemma Griffiths adds polish and emotion. Always glamorous yet deeply introspective, she blends storytelling with visual art in her performances.
“My performance is about sharing pieces of my story,” she explained. “I hope people leave feeling inspired to be themselves — bold and unapologetic. Music has this amazing way of connecting us, and that’s exactly the vibe I want everyone to take away. Expect a show full of connection, surprises and special moments.”
Then there’s Tamy Moyo, a household name synonymous with confidence and edge. Her signature purple stage look, her team says, represents “royalty and power”.
Known for her daring fashion and commanding voice, Tamy embodies the balance between strength and grace — the very essence of the modern Zimbabwean woman.
With a line-up this dynamic, Nubian Notes is expected to draw a broad audience. Each artist appeals to a different demographic and musical taste, ensuring that the show will be a vibrant cross-genre experience — from Afro-jazz to pop, R&B, soul and contemporary fusion. That variety, analysts say, is what makes the event so compelling.
It’s not just about star power; it’s about the collective representation of the female creative spectrum in Zimbabwe today. If the women manage to pack the HICC, it will mark a turning point in the country’s entertainment history. It would mean that female-led artistry has matured into a mainstream force — commercially viable, socially relevant and culturally influential.
For years, Zimbabwe’s musical heavyweights like Freeman, Jah Prayzah, Killer T, and Winky D, among others, have consistently pulled full houses at the same venue, setting the bar for live performances. Now, Nubian Notes becomes a litmus test for whether female artists, performing without any male counterparts on stage, can achieve the same feat.
What’s interesting is that these male stars, along with other industry peers, are expected to be in attendance — not as performers, but as supporters of a cause that transcends gender. It’s a shift from competition to collaboration, from gatekeeping to giving space.
And this evolution doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Over the past few years, genres like gospel and Zimdancehall have perfected the art of live performance in Zimbabwe, setting new standards for crowd engagement, production value, and emotional resonance. Now, the women of Nubian Notes are stepping onto that same stage — not to imitate, but to innovate.
Whether or not they make history with a sold-out show, one thing is already certain: their collective presence has redefined what power, performance, and possibility look like in Zimbabwean music. This isn’t just another concert; it’s a cultural awakening. And if the HICC roars in approval, it will not just be the sound of applause; it will be the echo of a new era — one where the queens finally take their throne.
Organisers of the show, Gateway Stream manager Elton Kurima, confirmed in an interview ahead of the show that everything is in place.
“The production is polished, the artists are geared up, and anticipation continues to build as the date gets closer. The team has worked tirelessly to deliver an outstanding production. The artists are fired up, and we are calling on fans to come out in full force and be part of this empowering experience,” said Kurima.
Founder of ZAR Events, Connie Mazani, emphasised the significance of finally bringing the vision to life.
“Nubian Notes is a movement that honours women’s creativity and strengths. It is here, and we are ready!” she said. “Our local queens of sound are ready to deliver unforgettable sets that highlight their unique voices, stage presence, and creative brilliance.”
