MULTI-AWARD-WINNING Prudence “Prue” Katomeni Mbofana, better known in the jazz music circles as The Songstress for her emphasis on vocal beauty and eminence of expressions, believes jazz music through its progressive nature provides an opportunity to restore identity and preserve best cultural practices.
Speaking to NewsDay Life & Style recently, Prue said the Heroes Day commemorations in Zimbabwe should unite everyone and work towards a common goal of developing the nation.
“Zimbabwe’s Heroes Day holds immense significance in the country’s history and culture, serving as a day of remembrance and honour for those who fought and those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for independence from colonial rule,” she said.
“From an identity perspective, Heroes Day is a time for Zimbabweans to reflect on their shared history, values, and aspirations as a nation. It serves as a reminder of the courage, resilience and unity that defined the struggle for independence, highlighting the importance of national pride and solidarity in shaping a collective identity.”
Prue added: “Though this day serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who came before, it highlights the importance of preserving and cherishing Zimbabwean identity, history and heritage for generations to come.”
She believes that jazz music provides her an opportunity to showcase her ripeness and maturity in music-making and performances.
Her musical journey started in her teens as a Star Brite talent scout contestant with her song Muchato, starring in films More Time, Thicker than Water and being the lead vocalist in the dub poetry song Senzenina by Albert Nyathi as well as Clive Malunga’s Marijata, to mention a few of her many celebrated works, that also include the song BP, with the then Jazz Invitation.
With a passion to sing and perform from a very young age, Prue has seen herself playing a part in the production of mainstream musicians’ works, as well as being part of musical theatres.
- Bryn Mteki back on the music scene
- Pakistan likely to dissolve CPEC Authority
- Bryn Mteki back on the music scene
- Marange shrine: A mating ground for child molesters
Keep Reading
Over the years, such projects have helped her to hone her skills.
“During my European tour with project Isatilo with the Cool Crooners, I felt a deeper yearning to learn more on the language of music and formalising what I already knew and adding to the knowledge became paramount,” she said.
“This decision led to me being in control of the production of my debut album and it felt good to be able to express myself intelligently with the right words on how I wanted the music to be treated and further being able to play the ideas on an instrument and watch it develop in a creative session.”
Prue made history by staging high-profile performances through cover versions of Swing, Ragtime, Classic Jazz and Mountain Jazz at the then Mannerberg and Book Café Venues in Harare.
After acquiring a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz at the Zimbabwe College of Music, Prue is now a tutor at the Music Crossroads Academy, where she teaches voice and several other music subjects.
“My achievements so far, that is too long a list. But having my music degree and also being a part of Music Crossroads Academy where I get to formally train others in music, that is two out of plenty more achievements.
“This last April, I had an awesome show at the Alliance Française themed Jazzing It Up with Prue. What a warm audience. What a lovely ambiance. What a memorable evening it was.”
Prue also left the audience calling for more through a classic performance at the Germany Society in Harare on April 30, which is globally calendar-marked as the International Jazz Day.
Prue’s life and journey in music provokes so many things and issues like nurturing children’s talent, music and arts education, infrastructural development and managing a career in the arts.
What is quite noticeable is that the arts industry has not had a uniform development in terms of several things and many artistes have strived and persevered with their available minimum resources to realise their successes.
“Music in Zimbabwe has grown a lot and I believe if all sectors play their role, the music and arts industry can meaningfully contribute to the GDP of Zimbabwe in the same way it does in countries like South Africa, Nigeria, the UK [United Kingdom] and others,” Prue noted.
