Chronicles of a Mbira Sensation

By Arts Correspondent
Kudakwashe Vhenge
Spotting a designer checked bottom, an overlapping black blouse, jealously holding mbira in her hands, complemented by overgrowing dreadlocks, Princess Makunzwa resembled a true mbira icon in the mould of Chiwoniso Maraire. True to my sentiments and observations, Chiwoniso Maraire makes a list of her role models. To date, Makunzwa has released two singles, Chinonzi Rega and Mhiri Kwemakungwa, which have taken the music industry by storm.
As we speak, Makunzwa is putting final touches to her five track album titled Chinonzi Rega scheduled to be launched in the capital next month. Born some 18 years ago in Zengeza, Chitungwiza, few people including her parents ever thought that one day Princess would mesmerize the region with her Afro jazz music. However, at the age of seven tell tell signs of being a musician started showing.
“To be honest, I think I was just born with this singing talent. It all started when I was around Grade Two at Tangenhamo Primary School here in Chitungwiza. At times when I was at home I would sing such that people would come just to listen to what I will be singing even though I am not good at dancing. This started happening even at school. I then told myself that music was the way to go,” Princess said,
At the age of 14, Princes started trying the mbira instrument which did not take her time to master. “I just woke up one day and went straight to my mum and dad and told them that I wanted a mbira instrument. The two had also noticed the talent in me, so they would do anything to support me in that regard.” she added. Makunzwa has been playing at a number of business meetings in and around Chitungwiza and Harare. “To be honest I have never staged a live show. What I have been doing is to be invited to play at business meetings, birthday parties and other gatherings where a solo musician like me would suit,” she narrated.
As foretold above, Chiwoniso Maraire makes a list of people that inspired Makunzwa into this