Queen Mashie Shares How Incarceration and Rehabilitation Shaped Her Mission Against Drug Abuse
France-based Afro-pop and jazz artist Queen Mashie, born Tatenda Mashiringo, has opened up about how her experience with incarceration and rehabilitation transformed her life and outlook. Living in Lyon since 2014, she firmly warns against the destructive nature of drugs and substance abuse. Queen Mashie, younger sister to the late veteran musician Andy Brown, revealed to Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub that she now uses her platform to campaign against drug abuse. Between 2018 and 2020, she faced arrest and jail time for domestic violence, which stemmed from her drug use, introduced by her former partner. She admits that her behavior during that period was uncontrollable, recounting a violent incident involving a broken beer bottle. She credits correctional officers for helping her reform and regain control of her life.
Queen Mashie is set to return to Zimbabwe in April to launch her sixth album, Queen Mashie Rejuvenation, and intends to use this opportunity to strengthen her advocacy against substance abuse. She urges fellow Zimbabweans, especially creatives, to avoid drugs, describing addiction as a hard battle that requires serious effort to overcome. She emphasizes the importance of collective action, calling on artists and influencers to join the fight against substance abuse locally and globally.
The upcoming album launch will take place on May 1 at Londoners Pub & Grill in Avondale, Harare. Queen Mashie has enlisted Willis Wataffi and Tapiwa “Maselo” Jera for the production and promises a memorable reunion with fans. She highlights her extensive touring experience across Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the UK, France, and Norway, and aims to serve as Zimbabwe’s arts ambassador overseas, supporting local artists performing abroad.
Queen Mashie’s musical journey began at age four as a mbira player. She turned professional in 2000 as a backup vocalist for Andy Brown’s band, The Storm, before joining the Vintage Band as lead singer. She released her debut solo album Higher Heights in 2006, later recording KareKare in 2008 with Sound Africa. Her collaborations include Zimbabwean and Kenyan artists, and her third album, Queen Mashie Collaboration (2009), featured the hit Ulikuwa Wapi with MITI of Mashifta. Subsequent albums include Mbijana Mbijana (2011) and singles like Godo from Time (2015).
Her career highlights include performances at Sauti Za Busara in Tanzania, HIFA 2014 in Zimbabwe, and festivals in Mozambique, Senegal, Austria, the UK, and France. She has shared stages with artists such as Mia Von Lekow, Nyota Ndogo, Suzanna Owiyo, Monique Kabuye, and Susan Gogo. Recognized among Africa’s musical icons alongside Angelique Kidjo, Brenda Fassie, Miriam Makeba, and Chiwoniso Maraire, Queen Mashie continues to redefine her art while using her platform to address social issues. Her upcoming album, produced by Zimbabweans, marks a new chapter in her journey to inspire and lead in music and advocacy.
