Just when many fans thought she was out, Zimbabwean Kenya-based artiste Queen Mashie is back in the limelight with a new project, writes CAROLINE NYANGA
Some say she is the best thing that ever happened to Zimbabwe, while others credit her for being among the few who revolutionized Zimbabwean music.
Indeed, those who have watched Sandra Mashiringo aka Queen Mashie perform agree that her melodious chants and sizzling vocal prowess are real assets.
Confident in herself, the singer has effortlessly ruled the continent with her faithful African groove, ascending to international stardom.
The musician, who launched her latest album Mbijana Mbijana a year and a half ago at Alliance Francaise Gardens alongside her Mashie Band members, witnessed thousands of revellers from all walks of life turn up to sample her rich healing sounds.
With 14 years of success, many agree that the high-riding Afro-fusion artiste known for her music comprising a blend of popular Zimbabwean chimurenga, South African kwaito with elements of East African chakacha and rumba is going places.
“I have been busy promoting my album besides staging concerts across the world,” says the lady, who plays mbira (a traditional instrument widely played in Zimbabwe and Congo. Other instruments she plays are shakers, conquers and different guitars.
New project
“For me, music goes beyond just singing. It is important for a musician to master the art of playing musical equipments if they hope to succeed,” says the musician, who is busy putting together a new project.
Formed 10 years ago by Queen Mashie, the Mashie Band comprises eight musicians – three female and five male and has dominated the Nairobi Afro-fusion scene with styles that create a unique pure African sound. “I am honored that people across Africa and beyond appreciate my music. My desire has always been to make quality music, something different from what is played on the local radio,” says Mashie.
“Musically, I see opportunity everywhere. Music is a long journey hence the need to take time and come up with good music, as opposed to doing things in a huff,” adds Mashie, who has been in music for 12 years now. It took Mashie two years to finish her new 11-track album, produced by Alain of Onwards Records. It boasts of a brand new fusion style and a more contemporary feel. The first launch was done in Harare in August last year.
“We currently want to focus on touring Kenya, and performing in all corners of the country. We are also considering touring other countries in Africa, and other continents to sell and promote the album,” says Mashie.
Background
Having begun singing in Standard Four, Queen Mashie is not a new name to lovers of authentic African grooves. Born in 1982 in Gutu, Masvingo, Zimbabwe, her musical progression has been fast but steady.
After high school, she moved to Harare to join her elder brother and accomplished musician Andy Brown, who convinced her to ditch computer studies for music.
Storm band
In 2002 she joined Brown and Storm Band. It was during this period that she experienced diversity in genre and appreciated the value of African touch in music.
She later joined the Vintage Band as a lead singer with that veteran guitarist Mdhara Timi Makaya.
After many years as a back up vocalist for Oliver Mtukuzdi and other great musicians, she finally found her soul as a solo artiste. A cocktail of ethnic sounds from Zimbabwe and Kenya is what you are bound to get from the songstress during her concerts.
Moved to Kenya
In 2006, she moved to Nairobi to explore the sounds of East Africa, performing with several bands including Nyota Safi Band in Nairobi hotels.
It was during the time that she met Juma Tutu, who asked her to join his already established Tutu Band.
It was during her stint at Tutu Band that she composed most of the songs for her album, Kare Kare (which means long time ago – it actually sounds like Kale Kale which means the same in Kiswahili).
The 13- track album comprises her original Afro-Fusion compositions with a distinctly Zimbabwean (Chimurenga) feel fused with East African Benga that defines her musical, linguistic and cultural journey.
At a time when Zimbabwe is coming out of its most depressed period, Queen Mashie’s music is a trail blazing and uplifting breath of fresh air in the tradition set by her internationally acclaimed predecessors and compatriots Thomas Mapfumo, Oliver Mtukudzi, Andy Brown and Chiwoniso.
Her second album Queen Mashie Collaboration done in 2009 is collaborations with different artists from Kenya and Zimbabwe.
In 2008, she participated at The Sauti Za Busara Festival representing Zimbabwe alongside the Afro Dynamics Band, a group consisting of artistes from Austria, France, Senegal, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
Prior to this, Queen Mashie was a back-up vocalist for the legendary Mtukudzi at a concert in San Francisco.
Today, Mashie Band has become one of the most influential and successful bands. Founded in Nairobi, the band now boasts of eight members with Mashie as their leader.
Apart from performing, Mashie has travelled to Germany and the UK teaching African music in elementary schools. She currently performs shows in different venues in Nairobi.
