HARARE - I remember the first time I listened to Clare Nyakujara. It was at Sistaz Open Mic, last year sometime. She seemed a little shy then, withheld, unsure of herself. But, at the launch of her debut album at the weekend, she was a different woman - confident, alive and like a caterpillar turned beautiful butterfly sh
Haudi Nei is a culmination of four years of creative writing and a breaking into live performances by Clare who paid her dues to the industry supporting many other artists before picking up the lead role herself, and releasing the music within her.
Every child dreams of being a star and Clare was no exception, starting out at the age of 10 in the church choir, where many musicians begin, and soon making her way to the front.
She later became exposed to different types of music and found herself drawn to jazz after listening to Zimbabwean artists of different jazz styles Luck St Blues, Dudu Manhenga & Color Blu, and The Other Four.
Over time she joined Dumi Ngulube & Amagents, Mateo (of Pamuhacha fame) and Dino Mudondo, on backing vocals, performing with them in and around Zimbabwe, at the Harare International Festival of the Arts, the annual Winter Jazz Festivals, club and corporate gigs, and giving vocal support to other up and coming young artists in the capital.
In 2006 Clare started writing her own music, and also took up the guitar more seriously. She describes her music as a fusion of jazz with lots of acoustic sounds and an ethnic vibe. Her musical influences are Kate Melua, Miriam Makeba and Aretha Franklin, and naturally her style developed from there into a unique blend with flavours of these, but rooted firmly in Africa in the here-and-now.
After working with many musicians over the years, Clare says Taking up the guitar allowed me to write; words and chords fit together more easily. Sometimes I feel the need to write a song, and I just start playing, hanging different chords with each other, and it comes together with the melody. Its much easier than trying to explain to another musician what you are hearing. Its more natural.
The title track of her debut album Haudi Nei? expresses the hopes and fears of every young woman in love why wont you love me? and leans towards a modern jazz style with lots of room for adventurous keyboard improvisation and great backing vocals, breaking into very danceable afro jazz.
The launch of the album was attended by National Arts Council of Zimbabwe Director Elvas Mari, his assistant Nicholas Moyo, British Council Director Rajiv Bendre, Power FM DJs Davis Mugadza and Bridget Gavanga, Musicians Alexio Kawara, Dino Mudondo, Bob Nyabinde, Edith weUtonga and members of the press, among others.
The first copy of Clares CD was auctioned for US$100.00.
Post published in: Music