Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena
Zimpapers Arts & Entertainment Hub
AFRO-JAZZ musician Tina Watyoka has been lined up to headline this month’s Harare Open Mic session set for Friday and Saturday at the Republik.
Organisers say her appearance is meant to motivate and mentor upcoming artists.
Event organiser Batsirai Chigama said bringing Tina is a deliberate move to show young creatives that success in the arts comes from focus, passion, and hard work.
“By bringing seasoned artists like Tina Watyoka to this stage, I hope the young artists can learn a thing or two, especially about stage work and gaining basic knowledge of the business of being an artist.
“She is a dedicated woman who has worked her way up and I believe her story will inspire many.”
The line-up includes talented poets Tadana Nakai, Praymore, Dumiso, Yvonne Matanhire, and Matipaishe Mavunga, as well as storytellers Tafadzwa Bob Mutumbi, Tawanda Vombo, Tinashe Muchuri and Shingirai Manyengavana.
Tina’s musical journey began at The Book Café, a creative hub that nurtured countless Zimbabwean artists.
Platforms like Sistaz Open Mic and workshops hosted by Pamberi Trust equipped her with vital skills in mic handling, stage presence, and understanding the music business.
These are skills she now hopes to pass on to the next generation.
Her professional breakthrough came in 2010 with the release of her debut album “Introducing Tina”, featuring the hit single “Chii” that dominated airwaves on Spot FM (now Classic 263).
In 2014, she followed up with her second album, “Ndoita Sei”, which received wide acclaim and significant airplay on Star FM.
A versatile multi-instrumentalist, Tina chose the saxophone as her signature instrument, breaking barriers in a field where female saxophonists are rare in Zimbabwe.
She draws inspiration from local legends like Sylvanous Matewe, Osborne Matengenzara (I AM KING), and Joseph Chinouriri (Jose Sax), as well as global greats like David Sanborn, Dave Koz, Mindi Abair, and her personal favourite, Gerald Albright.
