AFRICAN contemporary singer, songwriter and events organiser Tatenda Chioniso Rushwaya recently announced her latest project, the Vasikana Dzidza Female Artist Music Camp to be hosted in Domboshawa at Vision of Hope from June 24 to July 2.
The nine-day event will culminate in the official launch of Dzidza Hub, an artist training space dedicated to the education and empowerment of artists. It will offer training in playing the Mbira instrument, acoustic guitar, percussions and vocal coaching.
Rushwaya told Standard Style that the hub will actively promote the Mbira instrument, deeply rooted in Zimbabwean culture and encourage its use in traditional and contemporary music compositions. "Dzidza is more than just a training center. It's a community where emerging and seasoned creatives can engage in inspiring conversations and storytelling through music and poetry."
Day four of the camp will see participants engaging with Afro-fusion artist Mary Anibal, who will share insights about the music business and her journey as a musician and music educator. "We are also going to have a day for outdoor adventure, mountain hiking, which I am looking forward to. On the eighth day, before campers leave, we are going to have a musical concert where the campers will perform the songs they have learned and composed and we will have people from the community coming to watch the live performances," Rushwaya explained.
The initiative is powered by Cathy Mhlanga of Vision of Hope, a Christian ministry based in Domboshawa. Rushwaya is a self-taught Mbira player, acoustic guitarist, percussionist and music educator for children and adults. Recently, she successfully directed and planned Mary Anibal's debut album launch event at Alliance Francaise de Harare. Last year, she launched Ku-Mbira Lounge, a space for intimate music, faith conversations, and art performances.
"Besides performances, I believe that creatives need safe spaces where they can talk about anything from their inspirations and challenges to their dreams and fears. (At Ku-Mbira), they meet every four weeks and talk about anything, share experiences and work while receiving constructive feedback without being judged or criticized.
They also help each other in faith matters, learn and grow as human beings who express themselves freely and authentically as they celebrate their diversity and uniqueness."