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Cindy Munyavi

Immaculate Hove Review writer
Mixing fashion and music seems like a new trend most artistes are getting into these days. This can be seen from both local and international artistes for various reasons. Most musicians use their fashion to communicate what they are singing about, while for some fashion is another form of art where they can express themselves as much as in music.

Mtukudzi, one of Zimbabwe’s most accomplished musicians with 63 music albums to his name, designs his own stage gear. “My stage outfits have been inspired by my music throughout my career, they are in tune with the beat and that differentiates me from other artistes,“ said Mtukudzi. Last year he launched the high end Haikobo shoe range which is sold through a leading department store.

For some musicians like Cindy Munyavi, their love for fashion drove them to mix music and fashion to have two pleasures at the same time. “Fashion has always been my inspiration. Whenever I have to go out of my house, I have always been conscious of how I present myself and always wanted to look best. As I got on, the passion to have my own trending outlet and hopefully a clothing line grew so much in me,“ said Cindy.

Some fashion designers could not resist the calling of music although they are full time designers. The love for music and also the talent to sing drove designers like Previlant Sithole and Edmore Chagonda to look for recording studios and put their talent to use. “I have a passion for music and fashion. This drove me to release two singles to my name but it does not mean I am diverting from fashion designing,” said Edmore Chagonda.

Privilant Sithole studied fashion designing in college and she designs unique designer clothes. However, she feels she also needs to spread the word of God and music is the way to do it. Artistes who mixes music and fashion are increasing in Zimbabwe. Gospel diva Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave, who designs clothes for her crew can also be put on the list.

On the international scene we see musicians like Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Rihanna among others venturing into fashion. These musicians have clothing lines and brands to their names and take time to deal with fashion when they are not in the studio recording songs.