Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Richmore Tera
6 September 2008
Harare — NO wonder many Zimbabwean female musicians are taking up jazz music!
The genre -- famed for its soft and tender tunes that probe the soul -- is just ideal for sentimental, romantic hearts, which most women are gifted with.
The latest in the line of such females to embrace jazz music is none other than talented former Amagents backing vocalist Faith Ganyau.
The 27-year-old songbird, who until now had been a music nonentity, said she had to be content with lurking in the shadows of seasoned musicians as a backing vocalist for more than eight years before she could launch her professional solo career.
Faith finally launched her debut album Ndiripo at Jazz 105 in Harare last Saturday.
Despite the achievement, Faith says it had been a very long winding road to get there.
"As soon as I finished school at Queen Elizabeth, I joined Dumi Ngulube's Amagents outfit where I teamed up with Dudu Manhenga as part of his backing vocalists.
"Almost at the same time I was awarded a scholarship -- the Jethro Shasha Scholarship -- to study music theory, vocals and public relations at the Zimbabwe College of Music.
"Amagents was more than a band, but was like a music institution to me where I learnt so much about music," she said.
Faith's polished voice saw her being accorded the chance to assist Dumi in recording two of his albums - Zvinhu Zvangu and Tshonalanga -- between 2002 and 2003.
"Back then, Dumi had just won the Tsama award as Best Jazz Artiste and his performance was really good in those days. So, naturally, I had to put in a lot of effort while at the same learning how good music was made," she recalls.
But her hunger for new pastures saw her moving on to join another jazz outfit, The Highway Band, where she also met another rising female musician Selmor Mtukudzi and became the band's backing vocalists.
The duet did not last long, however, as Faith went on assist Bob Nyabinde to record one of his albums in 2006 while at the same time starting work on her first solo album.
Doors for professional theatre acting also opened up for her.
She featured in Noel Marerwa's play Maingeni in which she starred as Tete.
But her music calling held sway and she went on to join Dino Mudondo's Muffin Family.
"My last show with Dino was during this year's Winter Jazz Festival. Working with him was quite an experience because his was quite a different kind of music altogether from what I was used to.
"We moved around the country at all the places meeting different kinds of people. Dino's music experience helped me a great deal in shaping my own career path," she explained.
True to her words, Ndiripo, her debut, was finally recorded by Hit Factory, the firm that rolled out Willis Watafi's "Zhizha".
"Mine is straight jazz. I've always loved jazz. I decided to name the album Ndiripo because God is always there for us in times of trouble.
"But, on the other hand, I am also saying here I am, this is my introductory album in the music scene after all those years I spent as a backing vocalist to other artistes," she said.
But why did it take her so long to release her debut album?
"I am into too many things --- music, theatre as well as my profession as a marketing clerk with Nestle Zimbabwe. So I have to divide time among the three --- rehearsals, shows and work.
"For example, I am currently working on a musical play, Grease, with Reps Theatre, and this play is a stage adaptation of a movie featuring John Travolta.
"It was something big and the audience attracted so many talented people, but because of my ability to sing I landed the role," she said.
Faith believes she has what it takes to get to the very top of the music ladder
"My music targets everyone. It is the kind that you would sit down and listen to and also dance to. I am sure there is room for improvement depending on the marketing strategies," she said.
The Wedza-born mother of two - son Vanny and daughter Nothando --- also urged fellow upcoming female musicians to be confident and believe in themselves.
"Be confident and believe in your selves because at one time in your life you will look back on life and say, 'I wish I had done it', or 'I am glad I did'."
About how she manages to balance all her careers, Faith said:
"Everything that I do is an art and arts blend very well."
Of the eight tracks on her album, the outstanding ones include Aihahowe that advises people to put their troubles behind them and smile always.
"You should be happy, you don't have to worry because God is there for you always," said Faith.
Gamuchirai is a very sad song about a man who is going far away leaving behind his beloved one.
"Rimwe zuva uchandifunga/wozoyeuka bako mvura yanaya," croons Faith.
Mafaro is dance song that invites people to make merry while Zirume is in the voice of a woman who is appealing to her husband or lover for them to live in harmony.
It tells about how women suffer abuse at the hands of men.
Those in love will find Mira and Sunshine totally irresistible.
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