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Marshall Bwanya Arts Correspondent.
Afro-jazz sensation Pamidzai Tracey Mbirimi’s (pictured below) hit song “Runonzi Rudo” from her debut album of the same title is making waves on the airwaves across Zimbabwe. The song has captured the attention of music lovers not only in Zimbabwe, but beyond our borders with 117 707 hits on YouTube since its release three months ago.

The love song is about simple things that partners need to learn before they start dating. It also encourages partners to co-exist.
Since people come from different backgrounds the song emphasises the need to learn from each other.

She also calls on those in love to be patient and tolerant towards each other as relationships are a learning curve.
Affectionately known in music as Pah Chihera, Pamidzai said she felt honoured that her song was dominating Star FM’s Top 20 hit list for the past three months as well as topping on Power FM charts.

Pah Chihera said “Runonzi Rudo” was inspired by the current trends in relationships that focus on material aspects.
“The song “Runonzi Rudo” has nothing to do with my own personal experiences rather it is a tonic that encourages unconditional love and warns lovers against focusing on the material aspect in relationships,” she said.

Pah Chihera said upon releasing the album last year she never expected it to be a huge success.
“I launched ‘Runonzi Rudo’ in December without any proper marketing because of financial challenges. I secured a contract recently with Slimaz Productions to market my album after which it gained airplay on most radio stations,” she said.

The songstress was once a backing vocalist for her uncle Prince Kudakwashe Musarurwa, an Afro-jazz singer who supported her on the debut album.

Pah Chihera said although her music instils cultural consciousness she wasn’t trying to be another Chiwoniso Maraire.
“I cannot say I am the next Chiwoniso, but I am the next Pah Chihera. Fans who fell in love with Pah Chihera should expect more music from Pah Chihera because every music artiste has a unique flare.”

Pah Chihera is set to launch her DVD album for “Runonzi Rudo” which she promised would be as exciting as her songs.
She also stars in an upcoming movie where she plays the lead role produced by Slimaz Productions.

The Afro-jazz songstress said her music was an embodiment of love, respect and traditional cultural values.
“Music is a universal mode of communication and the message is love, respect and cultural values. I challenge society to believe in unconditional love, respect each other as human beings as well as preserve our own culture,” she explained.

Pah Chihera said she views music as a source of healing.
The songbird adopted the stage name Pah Chihera, a combination of her first name Pamidzai and her totem Chihera.
However, she is a different person when she is on stage.

“When I am on stage I’m vibrant and alive but at home I am shy and quiet. When I am not working on my music I spend most of time with my mother whom I am very close to,” she said.