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Jonathan Mbiriyamveka Entertainment Reporter
From a distance, Wanai is a quiet and reserved person but when you see her on stage she is full of verve and a striking beauty. The 26-year-old Afro-pop entrant oozes confidence and has what it takes to be the next big star on the music scene.
“I grew up listening to Brenda Fassie’s music. I remember my father would buy her CDs for me to listen and that became my addiction,” she said with a chuckle.
This addiction has turned into her biggest business as a singer, songwriter, performer and dancer.
Long back before she started a music career, Wadzanai Ndudzo then, used to sing urban grooves during which she released two single “Mudiwa Ndinokuda” in 2011 featuring Shinsoman and another track “Watora Moyo Wangu”, a 2012 release.
However, not sure of what the future holds for urban grooves due to rampant piracy, Wanai which is short for Wadzanai, then decided to back other musicians the likes of Progress Chipfumo of the Sounds of the Motherland.
She toured across Zimbabwe dancing and singing alongside Progress, who at the time was popular for his feel good songs.
She was part of Sounds of the Motherlands up until last year.
As her confidence grew so did the need to go solo.
With support from her father Maxwell Ndudzo who runs Maxwell Haivol Electrical, Wanai has seen her music career taking shape.
“I’m lucky that my father understands my passion and he wants the best in me.
“So when he saw that I was a talented singer he did not discourage me but instead encouraged me to give my all. He has literally been there during my whole career and I appreciate that,” she said.
On her debut album titled “The Book of Love” Wanai penned a song titled “Chirere” where she implores parents to assist children to identify their talents.
“It was a lesson I learnt from my father and I would want that to happen to even my own children,” said the mother of one.
Like most musicians who are the mirrors of society, Wanai draws much from life around her to compose songs.
On “Ndayarutsa”, a wedding song, she talks about the joy of a parent for raising their child good.
The song is the most played hit from the album and was written by Willis Watafi the other half of the famed group Afrika Revenge.
“Willis was my mentor, I would attend his mentoring programmes before I even went solo,” she said.
She says she loves to listen to her own songs which helps her appreciate music better.
Her music is all about love, a subject she says transcends all boundaries whether its race, colour or creed. And titling the album “The Book of Love” was in no way a misnomer.
“I talk about love it’s the language that everybody relates to,” she enthused.
Being a mother, singer and wife all rolled into one does not in any way hinder her progress, in fact, she says women are naturally good at multitasking.
“At home it isn’t a big deal, I just have to make sure everyone is happy and then at work (stage) the music comes naturally,” she explained.
Asked why she re-branded herself from being an urban groove artiste to jazz and Afro-pop singer, Wanai said she loved the fact that jazz has its own niche market.
Unlike other genre that phase out quickly, she said jazz was and still is the music for the mature audience.
“And for this season, I know Zim dancehall is taking over but I am hopeful that I am standing on solid ground,” she said.
At present, Wanai is learning how to play a guitar since it is her favourite instrument. The skill will assist her to hold her solo concerts.
So far, she had had good crowds attending her shows although most of performances were at private functions.
She is expecting to drop her first video of the song “Ndayarutsa” in a few weeks time.
She said the video is going to be out of this world.
Born in Harare 26 years ago Wanai, as she’s affectionately known in the music circles started singing at a tender age at Dudley Hall Primary School, she went on to graduate into Waddilove High School Choir for two years,
She gives thanks to her producer Spencer Masango for bringing out the best in her through music. Masango was the man behind the success of Jamal’s chart topper “Kurwizi” featuring Betty Makaya . The Track Records boss has also produced for other talented musicians the likes of Kudzi Nyakudya and Joyce Simeti.
Blessed with a powerful voice, her stage performance is evident that she draws her inspiration from a mixture of the vibrancy of Brenda Fassie and the calm appeal of Zahara.
Online Reporter