Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
AFRO-FUSION songstress, Rutendo Jackie, has released a compelling 13-track album, “Zindoga”, which is a culturally grounded and sonically expansive offering that delves into the everyday realities of love, unity, jealousy, faith, identity and heritage.
Rooted in folk influences, the project signals a defining moment in the singer’s artistic journey.
Folklore in music encompasses traditional, often anonymous songs and melodies passed down through oral tradition, expressing communal identity, history and daily life.
Characterised by acoustic and indigenous instrumentation, folk music carries themes of storytelling, labour and social reflection, while continuing to shape contemporary genres.
On “Zindoga”, Rutendo Jackie manages to integrate these motifs into a modern Afro-fusion framework, crafting a sound that is both ancestral and refreshingly current.
The album’s release, which coincided with her birthday on Wednesday this week, marks what the singer describes as a symbolic rebirth.
It represents, not only personal growth, but the culmination of years of artistic exploration.
“Zindoga”, loosely translated as “loner”, explores solitude, not as isolation, but as sacred ground for introspection, resilience and creative maturity.
At a time when Zimbabwean music is increasingly crossing borders, “Zindoga” stands out as a project deeply anchored in cultural authenticity.
The album brings together seven collaborating artistes, eight producers and a rich assembly of live musicians.
The 13 tracks include “Bvumai” (featuring Chiweddar and Greffen Punkk), “Mangwanani”, “Mwari Muri Zuva Redu”, “Shanda” (featuring Shayne), the title track, “Zindoga”, “Usacheme” (featuring Sylent Nqo), “Nipe Penzi” (featuring Sadimu), “Yahweh” (Acoustic) (featuring Starr Healer and Mr Brown), “Ka 2 Dhora” (featuring Peter Ngoreta), “Yahweh” (featuring Starr Healer, Mr Brown and 3dkeys), “Huku Ine Ronda”, “Wandibaya” (featuring 3dkeys) and “Gwenyambira.”
From tender love ballads to inspirational anthems, from shebeen-infused grooves to Amapiano and Afrobeat fusions, the album balances intimacy with expansiveness.
One of the album’s most poignant moments is a sentimental piece drawn from the performing catalogue of her late father, Peter Ngoreta, a respected artiste who never formally recorded the song.
By reimagining and officially releasing the track, Rutendo bridges generations and honours the musical lineage that shaped her earliest understanding of sound, storytelling and cultural responsibility.
Rutendo Jackie, this week told Weekender Entertainment that: “Zindoga is very personal to me. It speaks about those quiet seasons when you feel alone, misunderstood or set apart, but you later realise that those are the moments God uses to shape you. I wanted to embrace our traditional Zimbabwean sound — the mbira, the layered harmonies, the storytelling — because that is who I am at my core.
“Even as we experiment with Afro-fusion, Amapiano and collaborations across Africa, I always return home musically. Releasing this album on my birthday felt symbolic — like stepping into a new chapter of confidence and clarity.
“I am proud that I could honour my father’s legacy on this project. His influence lives in my voice and in the way I approach music with purpose. My hope is that when people listen to Zindoga, they feel seen, comforted and reminded of their roots.”
Her manager, Diana Elisha Nheera, who also serves as executive lead and talent manager, said the album reflects Rutendo’s artistic evolution and growing influence.
“This project has been years in the making. We took our time to ensure that every collaboration, every instrument and every lyric aligned with her vision of preserving and modernising our culture.
“She is not just creating music; she is building a legacy. We believe ‘Zindoga’ will resonate beyond Zimbabwe because it carries universal themes wrapped in authentic African sound. It positions her strongly on the continental stage while remaining true to her roots.”
Following in the footsteps of cultural preservation pioneers such as Mbuya Stella Chiweshe, Chioniso Maraire and Busie Ncube, Rutendo Jackie emerges as a torchbearer for a new generation — one that honours heritage while boldly expanding its soundscape across borders.
Her growing list of accolades, including the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce Women in Arts and Culture Award and the Manicaland Creatives Awards Best Female Artiste Award, affirm her impact on the arts sector.
Now spending more time in Harare with her Afro Blue Band, the talented lyricist has captivated promoters and audiences alike with polished live performances at venues such as Gava Restaurant, Jam Tree and Theatre in the Park.
Her 2023 EP Tsvimbo Nedohwe proved to be a successful experiment in blending traditional and contemporary instrumentation, producing a distinct Afro-fusion sound.
Born Rutendo Jacqueline Ngoreta, the silky-voiced singer first made waves with her breakthrough project “Love Me As I Am”, which featured tracks such as “Usandisiye”, “Kumafaro”, “Vabereki Vangu”, “Buyisa Nkomo” and “It’s Your Love”. On “KwaMutare”, she pays homage to the scenic Eastern Highlands, celebrating her deep connection to home.
Married and a mother of two, Rutendo Jackie continues to carve her space in the male-dominated music industry, determined to take her Zimbabwean-rooted sound to the global stage.
