Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
TALENT knows no gender or age.
When destiny beckons, those chosen to fulfil a higher purpose have little choice but to embrace it.
True calling transcends stereotypes, allowing dedication, passion and purpose to speak louder than societal expectations.
For Afro-beat songbird Atenda Chingaira, that calling appears to be carrying forward the rich musical legacy left by her late father, liberation hero and iconic musician Cde Chinx.
Born Dickson Chingaira, the late Barrel of Peace Band leader was renowned not only for his patriotic music but also for mentoring emerging talent, particularly young male artistes, during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Among those who benefitted from his guidance were his sons Lenin, Sagelaw and Nashe, each of whom played a role in preserving his musical heritage.
However, it is now Atenda Chinx, his gifted daughter, who has emerged as the torchbearer of the Chinx legacy.
Defying age, gender and long-held stereotypes, the talented songstress has carved out her own identity while remaining true to her father’s values and artistic vision.
Her remarkable rise has earned her regular appearances on winners’ podiums at prestigious arts awards and major corporate-sponsored events, cementing her place as one of Zimbabwe’s most promising musicians.
Beyond the accolades, Atenda has become a role model for aspiring young female artistes, proving that talent, discipline and perseverance can overcome any barrier.
A fortnight ago, the pint-sized diva proved that dynamites come in small packages after delivering a vintage performance that left many yearning for more at the Daughters of Legends concert held in Harare.
Organised by Selmor Mtukudzi, daughter of the late music icon Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi, the event also featured Tendai Chimombe, Ammara Brown and Saiwe Chimbetu.
Together, the five artistes paid tribute to their legendary fathers — James Chimombe, Cde Chinx, Mtukudzi, Andy Brown and Simon Chimbetu — in a concert celebrating their enduring musical legacies while showcasing the daughters proudly carrying the torch into a new era.
However, Atenda, who is only 20 years old, was deeply honoured to share the stage with such seasoned divas.
Her journey is particularly unique, as she has assumed the responsibility of preserving and advancing her late father’s musical legacy — a role that demands resilience, discipline and a clear sense of purpose.
Atenda has firmly established herself as one of Zimbabwe’s brightest emerging female artistes and she is undoubtedly among the country’s most promising talents.
She feels loved and vows to reciprocate by giving fans soothing music.
After all, she already has hit songs like “Makoti”, “Moyo Wangu”, “My Man” and “Ndodii”, which have made her a household name.
“The feedback has been great ever since I started this journey. Every single moment has felt genuine and honest. I am super-grateful,” Atenda told the Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
Outlining her plans, the songbird, who turns 21 on November 3, said: “The vision has always been to go beyond and explore what the world is like, getting on bigger stages and winning the big awards like the Grammys, BET and VMAs. At the end of the day, I want to inspire other people like me who have big dreams and aspirations.”
Despite getting rave reviews at the inaugural Daughters of Legends event, Atenda says she learnt a lot from elders in the game.
“Every stage has its lessons and demands, but what I am grateful for the most is that I got to tap into my father’s audience. They got to have a feel of the music and eventually they will now get to play it and enjoy. My takeaway from all of this is that, as children of legends — not only daughters — we have a legacy to protect and extend. That is a blessing and I am also grateful for being part of a beautiful line-up,” she said.
“I wish to continue preserving the legacy by expressing myself in the best way I can, while also exploring the gift that was passed down to me.”
When asked to share some of the challenges that come with being the daughter of a music legend, Atenda was blunt: “I would not call it pressure, but rather an opportunity that was handed down to me. The only thing that I have to do is work harder at nurturing my craft.
“My dad created the path for me and all I have to do is learn from what he did and build from there. He set a good foundation, which we are building from.”
As an award-winning artiste, she said she was aware of the dangers that come with handling fame.
Early this year, she was crowned Outstanding Breakthrough Musician at the 24th National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA).
“Probably I would not say it has been easy or it has been hard,” added the diva.
“There are days, obviously, like any other job, where you have to show up even when you are tired, but still this is what we signed up for. As long as you love your job, you have no other option but to do what needs to be done. That is the nature of this business that we are in.”
With the year fast coming to an end, the artiste revealed there was something in the works.
“I am working on a body of work which we will be releasing soon. I hope the fans will love it,” she said.
Like any other rising star, Atenda believes in teamwork, which has made her an instant success.
“I do acknowledge my Zero53 Music team, my fans (aka comrades) and my family, which always supports and stands with me.”
Like any other creative, she is also a woman of many talents, although music is her first love.
“One day you might just see me in a movie or something. I have some low-key acting skills that one day I would definitely love to explore. Who knows?” she said.
Her family also spoke highly of her.
“To be honest with you, I am blessed to have a child like Atenda. She has been showing us signs of being a good musician since childhood. Before her father’s death, she used to dance for him and when he died, he knew she was already a singer,” said her mother, Ntombizodwa Mangota.
Better known as Zodwa, the widow of the late Cde Chinx, added: “I think her father should be happy wherever he is at the moment. I will do my best to ensure that she realises her dreams. I am also glad that she is working closely with her brother, Panashe, better known as Nashe.
“He is the one who writes most of her songs. My kids work as a team, and I will do my best to ensure that they realise their full potential. It is something that we will always cherish for years to come.”
Atenda’s brother agrees with Zodwa.
“She is talented and I have never doubted that in my life. I will do my best to ensure that she fulfils her potential. I enjoy working with her and I hope my father is happy wherever he is now,” he said.
With the Heroes Day holiday approaching, Cde Chinx — who was a permanent feature in such celebrations — has every reason to be smiling in his grave.
After educating his child in Norton, blessing and ordaining her before his death, the late liberation war hero should be proud of yet another torchbearer in his family.
