adminValerie Mpundu
Youth Interactive Writer
Marondera-based, Rhythm and Blues musician, Tanatswa Praiseworth Mudzingwa has encouraged women to take centre stage in the arts and leave a mark in the industry.
The 23-year-old “ebony belle”, who is known by her fans as TannyBlack, says her first song, “Purpose”, was inspired by societal settings especially how she was bullied while growing up.
“In this day and age of social media, there is a lot of trolling going on. What matters is how you overcome it all,” she said. “Be determined enough to dust yourself up and navigate your way through. Rise and keep your head above water.”
She has encouraged young women to be more interactive and engaging in arts so their voices are amplified as well as showcasing their talents.
“Female artistes lurk in the shadows and many times scared to lead the pack. We need more representation,” said TannyBlack.
“In most cases, you would find women barely headline posters for shows. There is a greater need for a different approach.
“It is quite difficult for a female artist to fit in as most of her competitors are male.
“Let us feel the urge to take that space in art as much as our counterparts.”
Her latest song is a reply to Kae Chaps’ “Madiro”, which she reckons has received a lot of airplay on radio and television. However, the journey to success has never been a walk in the park for her. Yet slowly but surely she is forging her path and detecting her pace as the journey continues.
“One should not be limited by circumstances, instead they should think positively towards bettering themselves.
“Soldier on and keep hoping for the best. Life does come with challenges but be determined,” she said.
TannyBlack is known for advocating for the girl child and during her high school days, she would perform at talent shows, giving her peers confidence that, a girl can do it.
“The greatest gift any parent can give their child is unwavering support. I got that in abundance at a time when most people could have advised them otherwise.
“I would have strayed away had it not been for them. Despite the bullying and body shaming, I was never shy to go on stage and give a performance of a lifetime. What can I say, art lives within me,” she added. TannyBlack is also an author, scriptwriter, poet and pencil artist, proving she is an oasis of abundant talent and a force to reckon with.
Online Reporter