Three Generations is a nine-member band featuring jazz singers Dudu Manhenga, Clare Nyakujara and Uza Manhenga, the three talented women represent three generations of music and promise a lively entertainment by electric performers in celebration with women all around the world.
Three Generations conceived this one-of-a-kind show for International Women’s Day, 2013 and the concept has developed since to become a strong collaboration. Featuring three different, captivating voices, they share a common talent and all three women bring something unique and captivating to the table.
Dudu, Clare and Uza are phenomenal jazz vocalists on the Zimbabwe music scene. Dudu Manhenga the veteran, has been in the music business for 16 years. A talented jazz musician, Dudu is one of the foremost jazz singers in Zimbabwe today, inheriting Dorothy Masuka’s mantle as a singular jazz diva like no other. Dudu as she is simply known, has released four albums and a DVD in her musical career and has worked with some of the best jazz musicians in Zimbabwe. She has also toured extensively in Denmark, Germany, Italy, South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia and Swaziland.
Speaking about the challenges faced by female musicians, Dudu says, “I think we are always having to work a little harder to get attention-to get our cause heard. It is easier for male artists because they just put together a show anywhere. I think that socially there are so many expectations for us. But being able to stand on stage is an opportunity to express myself. It’s a powerful position. Behind the microphone, I can make a comment about anything. I can say anything in a song and it becomes an issue and then it’s out there. And the fact that we are able to put out our frustrations in song is cathartic”.
Performing alongside Dudu, is Clare Nyakujara. Clare is a lesser known, but exciting musical talent. Hailed as a powerful jazz vocalist, Clare specializes in what she calls Afro-jazz pop. Her first album “Haudineyi” was well-received and her follow-up album “Unleashed” launched at the Spanish Embassy in 2011, won her a solid fan base. Clare has a fun, fresh sound. Her songs also often focus on issues that concern women, including Mumba from her first album which is about domestic violence and Ndavekudziirwa which is about children and abuse. Clare performs with her long-established band, The Other Four and travelled to the Shanghai Expo in 2010, performed at HIFA from 2009 to 2011 and toured extensively in South Africa and Namibia.
Uza Manhenga is perhaps the least known of the trio, but the diminutive diva still packs a punch with her soaring vocals and professional delivery. As Dudu’s little sister, Uza started performing as a background vocalist for Dudu, Ignatius Mabasa, Bob Nyabinde and The Cool Crooners and The Mbare Trio at HIFA 2007. She started performing as a solo artist at Sistaz Open Mic at the Book Café, using this important music platform to gain experience and exposure. Now in 2013, she has released her first single from the album she is hoping will be released to the public this May. The single called, Nginje is about how everyone affects and influences you.
“My music is Afro-urban contemporary and deals with social issues, to encourage listeners to be positive about their lives and to dream beyond the limits imposed by their circumstances and backgrounds.”
In 2013 alone the band performed at the International Women's Day Concert organised by Pamberi Trust in March. In September they travelled to perform at the Intwasa Spring Jazz Festival which was immediately followed by their appearance at the October World Music & Jazz Festival. This year, 2014 they make their debut appearance at the Harare International Festival of the Arts(HIFA).
Backed by some of Zimbabwe's well-known musicians as follows:
Nick Nare on Keys
Josh Kwesha on Bass
Blessing Muparutsa on Drums
Othnell Moyo on Percussion
James Buzuzi on Lead Guitar
Clive Manhenga as Sound Engineer
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