BORN with a visual impairment, Beauty Ngwende is determined to solidify her position in the music industry against all odds.
An up-and-coming Afro-pop artiste inspired by the late mbira maestro Chiwoniso Maraire, Ngwende’s musical journey began in primary school.
“Chiwoniso used to frequent our school so much and I just wanted to be like her,” she told NewsDay Life & Style.
“I consistently won honours grade awards at competitions. In 2015, I won a mbira instrument unaware that it had been crafted by my music teacher,” Ngwende added.
Her love for music gained momentum in 2020 when she auditioned for the Starbrite Zimbabwe talent scouting show and qualified to to be part of a bootcamp.
“We were tasked with writing an original song with the lyrics Pasi Rarohwa Nenyundo. The challenge prompted me to record the song, which was released in 2021 and the video in 2023,” the 23-year-old said.
After seeing success in the song, Ngwende released a love song titled Une Rudo.
Beyond music, she advocates inclusivity of the blind in schools and is a member of the Zimbabwe Blind Women Trust.
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Her personal experience as the only blind student at her former high school fuels her passion for change.
“Education is accessible to all,” Ngwende emphasised.
“I want to encourage and empower others not to look down upon themselves. It might seem as a challenge, but remember, ‘the first step is always the hardest’, otherwise the going gets easy as long as you are dedicated and determined. Just don’t be too dependent,”
With plans to study media at university, Ngwende aims to amplify her message and reach a broader audience.
She joins Chipo Muchegwa, Greatman and the late Terry Gee in taking stereotypes head-on and promoting equality.
