Many Zimbabweans were shattered by the death of guitar maestro and inimitable singer-songwriter, Andy Brown a few years ago.
But, the legacy of the ‘Mapurisa’ hit maker ain’t dying out anytime soon as his children are making strides in keeping it alive.
In recent years, Ammara Brown has evolved into a an exceptional performer who is celebrated by many Zimbabweans.
Today we to talk to another of Andy’s daughter’s on the rise, her name is Chengeto.
She became known by many after combining with her sister Ammara on the hit track ‘Wachu Want’.
Since then she has worked on a number of singles namely; Love You Down, Nightym Luv and Faya.
However, it’s her latest single, ‘Pedzanai’, released two weeks ago that has made an impact on the scene, debuting at position two on Star FM’s weekend chart show.
Zimbo Jam caught up with Chengeto who explained more about the single.
“I wrote Pedzaneni and it was produced by Humphrey Domboka. Initially I had been working on an entirely different project and Humphrey calls one day , next thing you know we’ve recorded and finished the song in three days,” she said.
On what inspired the single she said, “The inspiration for the track came from making sure the music is telling a story. One thing I’ve always lived by as well. And in this sense a story that everyone could relate to.
“I love you, I have and I will, but then what? Kana waPedzaneni? Then what? And I’m a lover of reggae tone and dancehall so it was a smooth process. There will definitely be a video coming. Its all a story, and stories must have visuals to bring them to life fully.”
Chengeto also shared with us how she has settled in Zimbabwe after relocating from USA where she was based after the passing on of her mother, the inimitable mbira icon, Chiwoniso Maraire.
“Relocating turned out to be a bit more challenging than I had anticipated. Not because of music but because when I came back I had to adjust to not having certain people in my life which was hard for me because I do miss my family everyday.
“But as time passed I adjusted, I broke out of my shell and I’m back in full motion knowing exactly what my goals are. And as a solo act, my plan is to deliver my full potential, every single time,” she said.
Still on the relocation bit, the high pitched vocalist also shared with us the dynamics of doing music here as opposed to hustling in the USA.
“The industry prepares you a whole lot more for the rest of the world than one would think. I’ve never looked at it as local or international or whichever the word may be.
“I make music for everyone, local or international is then dictated by the audience . So I’ve settled well.
“Moving to Zimbabwe has given me space and time to grow here which is something that may not be provided in the USA.
“Everything happens so fast there and for the one year I experienced the “hustle” in the USA, I knew in good time going back to my roots would help me heal and make me a better artist than staying abroad where it was like fighting for crumbs that someone else can easily take if they wanted to,” revealed Chengeto.
Chengeto highlighted that she is currently working on an EP to be released next year.
“I am currently working on an EP set to be released early next year. More details will be released soon,” she said.
