AFRO-POP and Afro-fusion singer Tendai “Tendex” Madzviti, who is songbird Ammara Brown’s former backing vocalist, continues to spread his artistic talent, and is taking acting seriously.
The multi-talented and energetic performer, who is also a music teacher, plays the character JB in Bundu, a drama series by local filmmaker Eddie Ndhlovu that raises awareness on issues of poaching that have become a global concern.
In his career, which spans over half a decade, Tendex also had exposure to stage performances beyond the borders in countries like Mozambique, South Africa, Germany and on the European continent.
He has collaborated with a number of international stars.
Tendex is also a talented dancer and multi-instrumentalist who can play African instruments such as mbira, gourds (hosho) and drums (ngoma)
NewsDay Weekender caught up with Tendex, who shared his journey in the cut-throat creative industry.
Who is Tendex?
Tendex, born Tendai Madzviti, is the founder and leading vocalist of The Luggards band.
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I was born on November 13, 1987. For my primary education, I attended Grades 1 and 2 at Batanai Primary School in Mabvuku, then from Grade 3 to 7, I was at Chishawasha Primary School.
For my high school, I attended Marondera High and later Mufakose 2 High.
As someone who was passionate about music from a tender age, I decided to enrol at the Zimbabwe College of Music in 2017 to have a better understanding of music and the creative industry at large. I then enrolled to study for a degree (Ethnomusicology) in music.
Love for arts
Ever since I was young, I had and still have great passion for music. At primary school, I would find myself in either a traditional dance club or drama club.
I was the youngest choir master while in Grade 3 at Chishawasha Primary. I have also studied acting and I am an award-winning actor.
I featured as Rafiki in a play titled Lion King Zimbabwe that was staged at the Reps Theater in Belgravia, Harare, where I went on to win two awards as the Best New Actor and Best Actor for my role.
Multi-instrumentalist
I can play different instruments such as mbira, shakers and drums.
National representative
I have been the Voice of Umoja Zimbabwe for two years in 2011 and 2012, which saw me representing Zimbabwe in Mozambique, where I performed at their biggest celebration — Independences Day — alongside South African songbird Zahara.
As the Voice of Umoja Zimbabwe representative, I also had the opportunity to perform in South Africa.
Inspiration
As an artiste, I am inspired by many things, my life, my love life, life in general and mainly society’s day-to-day living.
However, sometimes it is just my creative mind at work.
Ammara Brown collaboration
I have a good working relationship with my sister in music Ammara Brown, whom I have worked with for a long time starting as his backing vocalist.
Together, we have performed locally and on big stages outside the country in Malawi, Zambia and South Africa.
Albums
I have recorded one album called Gwendo, it is an eight-track live instruction album recorded by veteran producer and composer Clive “Mono” Mukundu at his Monolio Studios in Harare.
I am currently working on another one not yet titled, but it is a mixture of Afro-pop and Afro-fusion.
On this album, I am working with multi-instrumentalist Chiweddar (born Daniel Kudakwashe Chiweda) and it will feature singles Baya and Cherechedza, which we have already released as appertisers to the album.
The album will also feature the track titled Fire, a collaboration with Ammara.
Bundu cast
I am happy to be exploring my artistic talent and being part of the Bundu drama series, which airs every Wednesday on 3Ktv found on DStv Channel 293.
It is a dream come true as it gives me the opportunity to hone my acting skills. I am enjoying acting as it also complements music.
Accomplishments
I am happy to have shared the stage with a number of international artistes, among them German celebrated reggae outfit Jamaram, as part of a cultural exchange project with other local artistes such as Tariro NeGitare.
I also managed to tour Europe in 2014 and 2015 after recording an album with Jamaram under Zimbabwe All Stars.
