We chat to Selmor Mtukudzi, a leading Zimbabwean Musician , actress and daughter of the icon Oliver Mtukudzi.
Tell us a bit about your upbringing.
I was born and bred in the ghetto. I lived with my grandma for years, and we'd go to Sunday school every week; that’s where I discovered I could sing.
If you were not doing what you are doing now (artist), what would you do and why?
I love to cook. Ever since I was a little girl, I'd bother my mom to teach me how to bake and cook. So, I think I'd be a chef.
What are some of the valuable lessons that you have learnt over the years as an artist that has contributed to your growth?
Never give up. It sounds like a cliché, but it is very true. Being in the music industry will give you many days you feel like giving up, but one thing I learnt is that if you fight that feeling, your day will come. Someone will notice you somewhere, or you will finally have that one song that people love so much. So do not ever give up.
Being the daughter of a music icon, most people would assume that you had an easy breakthrough into the industry. What role, if any, has this played? How have you managed to manoeuvre the space to create your own brand and manage expectations?
It wasn't easy at all. Some doors were opened, but they came with serious judgements and comparisons to my father. Most people expected me to sing and dance and sound like my dad; for someone who was just starting, it was an unfair experience to go through.
Just staying true to myself and loving what I do. My father obviously inspires me, and you can hear a bit of his influence in my music, but I'm glad that my audience has come to accept me for who I am, and they love me just the same.
The COVID pandemic has challenged the arts and entertainment industry over the past two years; how have you experienced working under these circumstances, and how have you managed to keep busy and stay relevant?
We thank God for the internet because it provided us with a way to be together even when we were apart. We started a show with my husband and kids where we share our everyday lives. What’s Up With The Manatsas is nothing serious, but it got us through the tough months when the pandemic started. We also managed to record some songs and release some stuff.
It has been beautiful to see the family show and how you interact with your kids and husband. So how do you juggle motherhood, being a wife and a demanding music career?
I don't think there is a proven formula for doing all these; I just try to give the best of myself wherever I am. When I'm home, I try to spend time with the kids, playing games and watching movies etc. And when I have to work, I focus on that. It’s a tough job, but I believe most working moms will agree with me that we just do the best we can.
Many young people across the African continent are influenced by Western music. Do you think there is sufficient appreciation of home-grown music across the continent? If not, how can we bolster interest in this regard?
Yes, many young people are listening to foreign music, which has played a role in shaping some of the productions in Africa. It’s not a bad thing being inspired by something or someone; what is bad is when we throw away who we are just so we can sound like so and so. Our audience is changing, but as artists, we can help steer them back to who we are by giving them more authentic African sounds, which can be infused with other genres from time to time without losing ourselves.
What role do you think music plays or should be playing in enhancing our identity and values of Africans?
Music plays a significant role. Musicians are influencers; many people will copy what we do because they see us on TV. If we show how proud we are to be African, those watching us will admire and emulate that. Artists, in general, can help shape people.
What do you love most about being an artist, and what are some of your proudest achievements or moments as an artist?
I love to perform. I'm the happiest when I'm on stage and the audience is enjoying it. I have had many proud moments in my career, one of which was when I performed at the World Economic Forum in Durban and met Charlize Theron. Another was when I went to Nigeria to meet with Bono for the One Campaign. And also, when I went to America to receive an award for my single Nguva Yangu. There are just too many proud moments to mention.
What do you appreciate the most about being an African, and what is your favourite holiday destination in Africa?
We have so much to be proud of as Africans. The fact that we have all these many minerals, the vast land, the amazing weather, oh, just look how beautiful we all are in our different shades of black skin and our rich culture.
My favourite holiday destination in Africa is Victoria Falls. Everybody has got to go there, it is wonderful.
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