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Mutsawashe Mashandure
Arts Reporter
South Africa-based Zimbabwean afro-fusion songstress “Shantel Mwana WeZimbabwe” as she is popularly known in the music circles, is on a mission to conquer the region with her music.
She revealed this to The Herald Arts yesterday as she said all was set for her album launch tomorrow at Madiben Brits Hall, North West Province, Pretoria in South Africa.
The album launch is being organised by a South African promotions company GMT Global who are known for helping artistes with their shows and negotiating contracts.
Dubbed, “Takazvizama”, the album has eight songs and the event will see some Zimbabweans and South African artistes performing to celebrate the launch.
The line up includes Culture Love, Dr. Tawanda, Sekuru Dhemba, TKay Mukanya, Happiness Fuzha, Lady Masline, Clever Mapower, Spanna B, and Johhanes Chidhonoro among others who will share the stage with Shantel.
“The day is finally here and I am happy the launch will go as planned. The show will see artistes from Zimbabwe and South Africa performing and to me it is an achievement, uniting different nations through music,” she said.
Songs on the album to look forward to including, “Takazvizama,” “Handichada,” “Ini Nasis Vangu,” “Rwiyo Rwemapositori,” “Kumabasa,” “Mudiwa,” “Ndaikuda,” and “Shamwari” which have been produced by various renowned producers.
Shantel said the album was inspired by societal settings, especially on issues to do with ill-treatment of women.
“The album was co-produced by Dr Tawanda on five songs while the other three songs were done by Makumbe Productions.”
“As I said before, many musicians sing about praise on women or fighting for empowerment, but less focus on the poor treatment of women by men.”
“I am of the many people who suffered various abuses and it inspired me to pen the album not talking of my experiences but giving solutions and hope to the community,” she said.
“At one point I was depressed and I tried to soldier on, but ended up quitting my music. But with the help of “Dr” Kutira who has been helping with counselling and pushing my music, I stand right and tall, competing with some of the local and regional musicians.”
The diva said wants her music to go beyond borders.
“Some have said if I want to hit the regional market, I should sing in English as a universal, language but as my name states, “Mwana WeZimbabwe”, I am so proud of my language and culture. I will continue being myself, telling our own stories and the music will reach everywhere,” she said.
Asked about the speculation on collaborations with Culture Love, the talented singer hinted that will take the opportunity to finalise it.
“We are in talks about the collaborations and I am happy if things go well, we will have something to gift our fans this Christmas. It will be produced by Dr Tawanda,” she said.
Shantel said she was inspired by South African singer Makhadzi and Botswana’s Slizer.
Commenting on the artiste, Dr. Kennedy Kutira, who has worked with Shantel, said the album is loaded with messages of hope and solutions to a moral community.
“She is the next big thing to happen in our country, watch her space. I have managed to listen to the album and it is good and loaded with messages.”
“She is a hard worker and I also want to thank promoters who are allowing her to shine. Her music will go far. We have managed to talk to different radio stations across Africa so they can play her music. We are in talks with some international promoters as well and we will announce the news soon.”
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