The Sunday News
Rumbidzai Mhlanga, Sunday Life Reporter
BULAWAYO-BORN multi-talented artiste Tafadzwa Christine Gapara, warmly-known as Zwa, supported by Zimbabwe Music Festival (Zimfest) will be presenting some African choral singing workshops as well as marimba workshops in the United States of America until March next year.
The 30-year-old, Zimfest’s first-ever female Zimbabwean marimba specialist said she always wanted and dreamt of becoming an artiste.
“I have always loved art from a young age so much that I even planned on getting a degree or PHD in music if all goes well. I then started pursuing my dream in 2010. I am now a composer, performer and music teacher who has an Honours degree in Music and Musicology from Midlands State University and a professional music certificate from Music Crossroads,” she said.
Because of her passion for music Gapara has learnt how to play a range of musical instruments.
“I can play a range of instruments such as mbira, recorder, marimba and a guitar. I have taught music in different schools and at the College of Creative Arts Africa because I’m a person who loves sharing the knowledge she has acquired,” said Gapara.
Since she started, she has had an opportunity to perform with well-known artistes and that is a highlight in her career.
“I have performed with the multi Grammy winning Soweto Gospel Choir in South Africa, a backing vocalist for Albert Nyathi, Amavithikazi, Lelo Langa, a marimba player and vocalist for the Royal Vibrationz Marimba Band.
I have also facilitated marimba and singing workshops before at the annual Zimfest in the USA. Because of the passion I have for music, I have been a voluntary music teacher since last year to date at the Sandra Jones Centre and at the YOU HAVE it in you foundation,” she said.
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