Ex-JP vocalist collaborates with Youssou N’dour
FORMER Jah Prayzah’s backing vocalist, Nancy “Nasibo” Mutize, says she is blessed to be learning from Senegalese legend Youssou N’Dour’s template.
The songbird said their “musical” romance started in 2022 when they performed at the sixth European-African Union Summit in Brussels, Belgium.
She was part of the star-studded group called Maisha, made up of African and European musicians.
“It’s hard for us (female musicians) to be recognised out there because the playing ground is not level for our gender.
“As one of the few female musicians who has been touring Europe and Africa, I was honoured when I was selected to be part of a group led by Youssou N’Dour.
“The legendary singer changed my life and my mindset as a musician,” she said.
Nasibo, who is set to launch her album on August 2 at Alliance Francaise in Harare titled “Zaruwe”, said she was also consulting in various aspects of music.
“People of Youssou N’Dour’s calibre are hard to come by and each time that you get a chance to collaborate with them, you need to fully utilise such opportunities.
“In my case, I make sure that I keep my contacts and I am always in touch with Youssou whenever I need his expertise.
“He has taught me to be humble and focus on my career to make it to the top.
“Whenever I am stressed or down, it’s a phone call away because I have a father figure who cares for me in the calibre of Youssou N’Dour,” she said. Nasibo, who spent years as a backing vocalist of prominent singers before going solo, said God’s grace has taken her this far.
“To be honest I can’t complain at the moment considering what I have achieved and where I started from the bottom.
“I have been touring many parts of Africa and Europe with my band although many people don’t know me back home.
“I have been to Burundi, Morocco, Burkina Faso, and many other European countries doing music as well as representing Zimbabwe with pride,” she said.
Nasibo, who believes in hard work and authenticity, urged locals to be original.
“The reason my music is appreciated internationally is because I am original.
“I have invested a lot in the Zimbabwean sound which made the likes of the late National Hero Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi and Chiwoniso Maraire household names during their peak.
“We can only gain relevance as creatives if we remain original.
“Music fans internationally want something authentic to them.
“Copying international acts is a step backward because you will not make it globally.” The talented diva, who leads an all-male piece band, reckons she has made history as a female musician in Zimbabwe.
“The reason why I assembled this group where I am the only female member is that I wanted to prove a point that we are also good leaders and women.
“I have been working with the boys for some time and they respect me despite being a female musician.
“It’s hard to lead men but it can be done if we do it professionally.
“In my case, I had no problems with them because we share the same vision,” she added. Her group is made up of Thabiso Amuli who plays led guitar, Praise Sarireni (drummer), Admire Mwashita (percussionist), Tinotenda Zangata (bass guitarist), and Achford Sinyoro (keyboardist). Nasibo plays mbira and percussion.
She is one of the consistent female musicians who holds shows regularly both locally and abroad.
She is in the same league as Hope Masike who is currently touring France alongside long-time band members — Mpho Muteta and Ndomupeishe Chipendo.
Meanwhile, preparations for her album launch are well on course.
“We have done all the groundwork ahead of the album launch on August 2.
“I strongly believe in my circle that has always been supporting me over the years.
“I can’t afford to disappoint them hence I am doing my best to make sure fans get value for their money,” she said.