Raven Duchess hails SA tour

Kundainashe Chimbi

JAZZ sensation, Raven Duchess, has described her recent tour of South Africa as a success.

The songbird said she learnt a lot during the tour.

In an interview with H-Metro,  Raven said  she managed to create new contacts during the two-weeks tour.

“The tour was exciting and captivating,” she said.

“The audience in both Soweto and Mangrove Jazz Bar in Braamfontein was lively and they loved the fusion of Zimbabwean and South African music.

“The tour allowed me to share my music and fuse the sound with other musically-gifted musicians , Mpumi Dhlamini on keyboard, Gally Ngoveni on bass guitar, Matimu Mat Mathebula on drums.

“I also learnt how to network and evolve to become an all rounded international act,”  she said.

Raven, who honed her skills under the tutelage of music teacher Filbert Marowa, said she was grateful for the reception she got in South Africa.

“The audience loved the fusion and showed appreciation as they sang along to some of the melodies.

“I believe it’s time I hired a manager to ease the busy schedules,” she said.

With the money-spinning festive season fast approaching, Raven said she was ready for the period.

“I have a busy festive season with private events and some festivals lined up,”  she said.

She, however, conceded all was not rosy in her journey as a female artist.

“I believe Zimbabwe needs to have more of such shows that allow cultural diversity and allow the world to hear more authentic Zimbabwean music.

“We need promoters to support this initiative.”

Born Ruvimbo Mapanda,  Raven is a jazz and Afro folklore singer/songwriter and performing artist.

Her debut album Ethno Vibes is on all streaming platforms.

She has been in the game for over a decade and has been holding a series of shows in Harare’s upmarket venues.