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Sophia Chese Arts Correspondent
Mbira queen Hope Masike has engaged Rute Mbangwa, Dudu Manhenga and Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana for a show that is meant to promote female musicians. Dubbed “SWAY”, the concert will be held on October 24 at the Reps Theatre. Masike said the idea was triggered by her realisation that most local promoters shun bands that are led by female musicians when they host big concerts.

“My observation is that there is a huge ‘gender-gap’, as female-led bands do not make it on most mainstream gig line-ups, charts and so forth,” she said. “For instance, the so-called ‘big five’ concerts have never included female musicians. I do not believe it is because female-led bands do not have good music or are any less performers than their male counterparts.”

She said there is need for local promoters to include female artistes in the big shows so that they showcase their talent. “My opinion is that there just needs to be more promotion focused on female musicians, at least for a while, so as to propel them,” she said. “Women might sometimes not be as active as their male counterparts because they have to take breaks to have children and pay more attention to their families. There are certain cultural beliefs that also bring disadvantages to female musicians.

“Deliberate efforts have to be put into place so as to solve these issues and women need exposure.” Commenting on the criteria she used to choose the line-up, Masike said they wanted jazz musicians and had also done a brief survey. “When I think of jazz vocalists, these are the top names that come to my mind. We also did a brief Facebook research where people suggested their favourite jazz singers and these three names appeared more.

‘‘It is better to start by honouring these amazing ladies for having being at it for decades now, for having paved the way many others. Who didn’t sing ‘BP Yangu Yakwira’? Who didn’t literally visualise the beautiful Mutare when they listened to Dudu’s version of ‘Mvura Ngainaye’? And who can resist the contemporary township feel of Rute Mbangwa’s music?’’, she added.

Masike has been involved in numerous music projects and has toured extensively with the most recent international performances being at Latitude Festival in England, Zimfest Oslo in Norway and the Milan Expo in Italy.