Local rapper and disc jockey, Nonku Vundla aka Blackbird, has opened her 2013 arts calendar on a high note through a top drawer international achievement.

Blackbird's song has been featured on an album that brings together the world's exciting upcoming talents, titled World Hip Hop Women: From the Sound Up.

The album, otherwise called a mixtape, features artists from countries such as the US, Canada, Netherlands, Spain, Chile, Morocco, New Zealand, Korea, Cuba, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

World Hip Hop Women: From the Sound Up is the latest mixtape project by Nomadic Wax and the World Hip-hop Market. The project is a brainchild of Detroit's DJ La Jedi and World Hip-hop market founder, Greg Schick.

"I'm so honoured to feature in a mixtape with such talented, internationally acclaimed artistes. It is a stepping stone into the international scene and I'm definitely looking into collaborations," said Blackbird.

The 15-track mixtape seeks to highlight the female voices and talents that are always present on the global arts scene but tend to be heard less.

"It feels really good to be making history with prominent hip-hop artistes and I'm happy to be fully representing my country with the track H-Town Hustler. The track is my first ever rap song in the Shona language as I celebrate the Sunshine City," said Blackbird.

The mixtape, which transcends language barriers, cultural differences, and gender bias, was expertly mixed by DJ La Jedi.

DJ La Jedi said the selected artistes assumed various leadership roles in their native communities. The artists are said to be embarking on endeavours that proved their conscious attitudes regarding love, truth, peace, freedom of expression and social justice.

"I salute every artist who contributed to the mixtape, for their courage and commitment to the spirit of creativity.

"Many of these women are carving paths where there are none. The project is hosted by one of North America's leading female voices: Toronto's Eternia," said DJ La Jedi.

DJ La Jedi said the intention of the collaborative album was to inspire cross-cultural collaborations with opportunities for awareness, growth and understanding.