Ashley Masakadza
ZIMBABWEAN music producer, ZiiWacho, has embarked on a cultural exchange tour dubbed “Beyond Words: What is your Legacy?”
The tour includes artistes from Australia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
It is aimed at promoting African musicians in Australia.
“Beyond Words is a collaboration project between the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Multi-Cultural Arts Victoria and record label ZiiMusic, aiming to inspire the Afro-Jazz scene in Melbourne by celebrating migrant stories of Africans who migrated to Australia.
“The project will tour parts of Australia, South Africa’s Cape Town, Johannesburg and Harare in Zimbabwe, with international artist Sylent Nqo, from Zimbabwe.
“The aim is to salvage an audience for the artistes and help them find reconnection to Africa and its roots. The tour includes Zimbabwean artistes NIASHA, indigenous Australian DRMNGNOW and South African Ceeko.
“The artistes have enjoyed the tour, connecting with fellow musicians and connecting to the roots of Africa at an intimate level.”
He added:
“NIASHA, an African artist, returned home after 15 years away, she feels welcomed and relaxed.
“She performed in Harare, a city she grew up in, dedicating her last song to the hard-working qualities of the people there.
“The Tamvela Band, consisting of Davey on lead guitar, Myth on drums, Zawadie on vocals, Theo Mello Soul on rhythm guitar, Kaykay on keyboard, and TedWeNgoma on percussion, was formed after an impromptu performance at ZiiWacho’s grandmother’s thanksgiving.
“The band plans to perform more and travel to Australia, aiming to grow and soar higher.”
DRMNGNOW, a musician with 10 years of experience with ZiiWacho, has visited Zimbabwe to experience the legacy of blending different cultures.
“This is an opportunity to reach a wider audience and share music with people outside the native country.
“All musicians are excited to explore Zimbabwe and hopes to perform together as a group.”