Malawi-based Zimbabwean contemporary traditional music artist Carmen Hwarari is set to launch her second album in December titled Listen, which celebrates African heritage while addressing pertinent societal issues.
Hwarari, who is also a top music teacher, released her debut project I Call To You back in 2017 just before she left the country for Malawi.
The Bulawayo-born and bred musician believes the 10-track new offing celebrates the African heritage and addresses pertinent societal issues.
"The project is a multi-faceted musical journey that explores the rich tapestry of African culture and human experiences. It delves into themes of identity, societal norms, women and children’s rights and the transformative power of love," Hwarari said.
"The project is an artistic endeavour that celebrates Africa’s heritage, while addressing pertinent issues. With captivating performances, monologues, poetry and cathartic storytelling, “Listen” promises to inspire reflection and unity through the universal language of music.
"It is inspired by my own personal life journey, my pride and love for Africa as whole as well as general wellness and mental health issues that we kind of tip toe around and these manifest in what we see as a bitter society through suicides and so on, hence Listen becomes a therapeutic tool," she said.
Some of the songs on the album include Arisei Africa, collaboration with Dereck Mpofu, MaAfrica, which feature veteran poet Alber Nyati, Sondela, Broken Glass, Ng'zwile and Weakness, among others.
The launch is set for December 16 in Harare.
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Having been actively in the music industry for close to two decades, the much travelled artist spoke about her journey this far.
"I have been in the industry since 2005 starting off in Bulawayo, my home city, to date. Now after so much reflection and much experience and continuous learning and teaching, my dream to see my music transcend boundaries more so to be used as therapy both physically and emotionally.
"I am grateful to have worked and learnt from some of the best artists in the country the likes of Busi Ncube, the late Andy Brown, the late Adam Chisvo, Willis Wattafi, Willom Tight, Transit Crew Albert Nyathi, African Destiny and many more," Hwarari said.
"As a music educator, while I was at Harare International School my students and I had the pleasure to work with the late Dr. Oliver Mtukudzi. I have been so privileged to have rubbed shoulders with these artists who have become family and the great musicians who have departed. I am truly grateful for the knowledge, skill and encouragement they imparted on me."
Hwarari is a proficient mbira player, who sings in three languages Ndebele, Shona and English.
She has formerly worked with Africa Destiny with whom she won Music Crossroads and toured Sweden.
Apart from Malawi where she is teaching, she has also lived in Mauritius.
Hwarari did her primary school at Mckertan before moving to St James Missionary in Nyamandlovu and completed her high school at St Columbus, in Makokoba.
She is a holder of a degree in Music and Musicology from the Midlands State University.
