Zwido impresses with a gentle mix of musical genres

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     Music

A rising star in musical circles, Zwido, has just released her seven-track album, As I am.

The album features the song Kondelela, which is dedicated to her daughter Adivhaho and son Akonaho. Those who listen to SABC, community and regional radio stations will agree that Zwido has virtually taken over the airwaves, so frequently are her songs played.

The album is a mixture of genres, which makes it a crossover between Venda traditional, contemporary jazz, rhythm and blues, reggae and soul.

Despite the fact that the album is a blend of different rhythmic pattern ranges, Zwido executes all the genres with the same fluidity. This makes her one of the few local musically diverse vocalists. The message of the album ranges from social comment to love as she aims to motivate and encourage positivity. Her vocal tone and approach speak straight to people's hearts and invoke real emotions.

The album was produced by Rendani Paku of Continental Entertainment, who also produces songs for the groups Vhembe Heritage and Pa'ku.

Zwido was born Zwidofhelangani Pertunia Mpfuni in Mudimeli village in November 1980. She received her education at Langanani Primary School and Patrick Ramaano High School, "where I discovered my passion for music and started singing with groups and also sang a lot at churches.”

In 2008, Zwido auditioned for music training with a project called Vhembe Sociocultural Development, started by Rendani Mashau. She then started her music studies and became one of the  lead vocalists for the band Vhembe Heritage, together with Malondolo.

“My first international exposure was when I travelled to France as part of Vhembe Heritage. I became the face of the band and the only female left in the band after other members completed their training and left the project to pursue their solo careers. I am still part of the band, even as I also embark on a journey of self-exploration as a traditional and contemporary jazz vocalist.”

Being inspired by the likes of Irene Mawela, Diana Reverse and Simphiwe Dana, Zwido aims to see herself working with these stars. She was invited as a backup artist on Irene Mawela's latest album and looks forward to many similar collaborations. She also worked as a backing vocalist on many artists' albums. She released her debut gospel album in 2009, which did not do well as she was already channeling her passion into African traditional music and jazz.

She is working on improving her keyboard skills. “I also play percussion and have basic sound engineering skills. I also worked as a videographer and photographer, which I still do part-time.”

You can also follow her on: 

By: News Correspondent

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