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Amara Brown

The late Andy Brown’s daughter Ammara is one of steadily rising divas in the country and has shown great potential. The musician has surpassed many of her peers through energetic stage performances. She has created synergies with various popular musicians, which has kept her on the limelight. Our Entertainment Reporter Kumbirayi Shoniwa spoke to Ammara about her career, family and ambitions. Below are excerpts of the interview:

Kumbirayi Shoniwa (KS): How are you Ammara?
Ammara Brown (A.B):  I’m good thanks.

KS: When is your new album coming out and which other artistes feature on it?
AB:  My album is going to be released in April. The only collaborative works so far are songs “More Sugar Daddy” that I did with Tehn Diamond and “Mafaro” that features Andy Brown and Reverb 7.

KS:  You have released “Ode to Mama” dedicated to your late mother, did you feel pressured to do it after also doing “Ndichakusuwa” for your dad?
AB:  My mother passed away before my father but that was not the push. I just wasn’t ready to sing about my mother without crying a river. Two years later, I felt like I was finally ready, and it has been received very well.

KS: When are you planning to hold the Andy Brown Tribute concert?
AB:  I cannot give dates for the Andy Brown Forever Concert yet, but I can say it will be within the next few months.

KS: You did a single with Jah Prayzah. What inspired it?
AB:  The single is called “Kure Kure”. When planning the Andy Brown Forever Concert, I had a feeling Jah would be the perfect person to help me deliver my dad’s classics. He was very welcoming and invited me to watch his show. I soon caught what I call the “Jah Prayzah Fever”. We met, and instantly connected with our mbiras. He then became an Ammartian (my loyal fan) and it was simple to write from there.

KS: There have been rumours that you are in a love affair with Jah Prayzah. Is it true?
AB: We just click as friends. Jah is married and I would never ruin his marriage.

KS: What is your preferred music genre because you sing RnB, rock, ragga and mbira songs with artistes ranging from Tehn Diamond to Alick Macheso?
AB: Uncle Alick is a representation of the generation of titans Zimbabwe created, decades back, which is obviously where my dad’s career blossomed from.

Hip hop is an important part of my lyricism, and is the music of our time. In my journey of genres I prefer fusion of both worlds. I am a modern woman, with an old vivacious soul. That is why I believe my music is where these worlds meet. For public understanding, they call it Afro-pop. So, it’s a matter of people connecting with my music, rather than identifying preference of genre.

KS: How has having an endorsement deal with Telecel helped your career?
AB: It is a crucial marriage of corporate and culture. It’s actually much bigger than myself. Telecel and I have a lot more in the pipeline, which will all be revealed this year.

KS What did you learn from being a Finalist at Idols East Africa in 2008?
AB: Idols taught me about the pressure of being a high profile artist. I had no family in Kenya to run back to which meant I had to hold my own. I had to earn the affections of millions. Getting to the top five was an honour. I couldn’t have done it without the “Ammartians”. I love my fans very much. They are the reason I keep going.

KS: How did working with Celebrities Combined (Charity organisation created by Zimbabwean celebrities to help needy children) affect you? Is it the first time doing charity work?
AB: The Celebrities Combined initiative affected me in more ways than I can readily explain. It quite literally made me change my perspective on life.

Count your blessings, and give thanks for every little thing. Ashley Mutengwa is a lovely little girl, with a (heart) condition she never wanted. I wasn’t sleeping when we were raising the money. I was responsible for her life, as it was a matter of life and death. I had a dedicated team of affiliates who I am so grateful to have been working with. It was even more inspiring to see everyday Zimbabweans show their genuine respect for human life. I will always donate when I can.

KS:  You mention on your Face Book page about ‘experiencing’ abuse as a young person. What did you mean?
AB: That is a very complicated question. I’m not ready to share my experiences on abuse, but I can say that everyone is capable of ridding themselves of the “victim” mindset. Some of my fan-mail includes that of people with questions of advice on their daily problems. One thing is key. You. You can choose for pain to break you, or you can choose for it to fuel you. I have tried my very best to make sure the negative experiences in my life mold me into my greater self. Once you realise that your spiritual balance is more important than the consolation of depression, you will elevate. It is difficult for everyone to take responsibility for all their own emotions, and circumstances but try, and The Almighty will reward you for it.

KS:  Thank you Ammara for your time. All the best in your future endeavours.
AB: You are welcome. Thank you.