Varaidzo Nyakunika Interview
Not only is she a sensational musician, Varaidzo is also a law student. Her music was inspired by her grandfather and since then she has never looked back. In the interview Varaidzo talks more about her music path and her future plans.
Describe Varaidzo Nyakunika in three words?
Fabulous, ever-smiling and big-hearted.
How would you describe your childhood?
I had a very rich, healthy and diverse childhood. I have lived in both a high density and low density suburb. I made a lot of friends and I used to like playing cooking games, riding my bicycle and doing crazy things. When I was a bit older I started venturing into entertainment and had so many things going on for me. I was a successful model with regional and national titles including Miss Sunshine City (Harare) 2007 and Miss Zimbabwe Junior second princess 2008. I was the face of Deep skin products by Kiri Davies when I was thirteen and I did Harare fashion week when I was sixteen there were so many other extraordinary things that were happening. And of course music was always something that was there. My first time in the studio, however, was only when I was 17.
Where did the love of music come from?
I think my passion and love for music is natural. My grandfather, my mom’s dad, was a musician and he used to be part of a local artist, Thomas Mapfumo’s band. Those attributes sadly skipped my mother and were passed on to me and I just love love love music. I grew up listening to Mariah Carey and I was constantly trying to copy her and as a positive result, I learnt how to play around with my voice and project it. I remember dressing up and going outside in the garden to spend the afternoon singing. I would use a stick or a deodorant bottle as a microphone. I was fascinated by how my voice could do amazing things without me trying hard. Then came the days when I would spend the whole day in front of the TV watching music channels and writing songs. I honestly didn’t think it would become reality.
How would you describe your music?
My music is RnB. At times I like to venture into other genres and my album displays that perfectly. I like to experiment a lot. I have an amazing producer, Evans Dube, and he makes the best beats. We don’t limit ourselves to the original type of RnB, we play around with different sounds but it is still RnB.
Who are your musical influences?
I have a lot of respect for Mariah Carey. Her voice is gold. I wish I could do that whistle register the way she does it. I also love Beyonce, she is the queen of live performances and she can sing really well. Christina Aguilera is just too too talented. Locally I enjoy Tererai Mugwadi’s music. The recipe to my music is a mixture of all these artists plus Varaidzo
What makes you unique?
Musically, every song I write is a true story that actually happened in my life so that is unique…I think?? Lol I don’t know. As a person, I am unique because, I am the queen of tears. I cry a lot. I cry over everything to the point that I have restricted myself to only watching cartoons because every movie makes me cry. I can cry over a dead rat. It is just crazy. I am also unique because I dress up for everything and I am very raw and blunt when I speak.
The album “Varaidzo” what is it about?
“Varaidzo” like the title suggests is about Varaidzo. It is an introduction to Varaidzo the artist as well as Varaidzo the person. It is also a platform where people can explore my voice, my writing skills and my emotions. I did not really follow one theme in the album, instead I presented all the work that I had worked on since I started writing. Some of the songs are very raw and you can actually hear me crying in one of the songs. I think art is not about being perfect, it is about expression and in that song I love how my voice sounds unpolished and vulnerable. “Varaidzo” the album establishes a one on one relationship between Varaidzo the artist and the listeners.
Who did you work with on this album (“Varaidzo”)?
I worked with Jay Boss in “Rudo Rwako” and Chido Chikukwa helped co-write the song. I also worked with Kemson Fentom in “Live Again”. Gee Brandon features in “I Do”. For the rest of the songs, it was just me, myself and I, with the creative help of my producer.
What challenges did you face recording this album? And how did you overcome them?
Having to balance my school and my music was definitely a challenge but I managed to overcome that by recording the album over a period of three years which allowed me to do my music and still write my final High School exams.
What is your favourite song on the album? Why?
I love every song on my album because each one has a story to it and they are all different. “Ndakuwana”, “Ndikadai”, and “Rejection” are must-listen-to songs. My absolute favourite is “Losing It” because I still cannot believe what I did with my voice in that song. The lyrics are so powerful and I managed to do my whistle register perfectly. I am not vain but, I nailed that song. My voice was just amazing and it is just a good song.
Where can people get your album?
My album is online on reverbnation. Anyone can download and listen to it for free. Physical copies are available in specific stores in Zimbabwe.
Who are your favourite musicians locally and internationally?
Locally, I love the works of Tererai Mugwadi, Oliver Mtukudzi, Fungisayi Zvakavapano-Mashavave and Leornard Zhakata. Internationally my favourites are Tiwa Savage, Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera and anyone who has good voice and sings very well like Brandy, Alicia Keys, Keyshia Cole. The list goes on. I am definitly the old school type and I love Heart, Rod Stewart, Phil Collns and Michael Bolton.
Do you think the Zimbabwean music industry is accommodative to female musicans? (are they well promoted well? In comparison to male artist are we seeing an increase of female artists?)
The music industry in Zimbabwe is simply difficult to make a breakthrough in. It has definitely been extremely difficult for me but I am one of the very few lucky ones that have it a bit better than others and I am vastly grateful for that. It is hard to get your work played on radio or to have sufficient promotion. My heart breaks because there is so much incredible, ground breaking talent in Zimbabwe that is left abandoned because no one is willing to help out. I think the solution would be for radio stations to be more accommodative to new artists and for people to work together for a good cause not for money. For example, you cannot expect to have a good music video unless you fish out an excess of US$2000 which is usually impossible for a lot of people and unless you have the right connections or are already a prominent artist ending up in the charts can only be a dream. It is only when people put passion and investment before a price tag will the music industry in Zimbabwe start going somewhere and start being accommodative to both males and females.
As a law student at Rhodes University, how do you balance studying and music?
When I am at school, it is strictly school business. A law degree is extremely demanding as it is. It is only when I return back home for vacation will you see me doing shows and living in the studio. I value education so much. Music is my passion but as cliché as it sounds, education is the key. I am already a role model to a lot of people and my goal is to be the best there can be. Besides, would it not sound nice to not only be a singer but a qualified lawyer as well. It’s attractive and it portrays a strong woman.
On one of tweets you talked about being bullied. How did it affect you and how did you overcome it?
My first year of university was definitely a challenge. Living in a foreign country was just terrible and when I got bullied I just wanted to give up and run to my mom’s arms. But, fortunately, I had the best supportive system back home, my family and my friends made it very easy to overcome it. I also went for counselling. In no time I was back on my two feet, with my head flying high and I was back to my crazy self. This just comes to show that these things can happen to anyone.
What keeps you motivated?
I will not lie, at times I wish I was normal and I did not want to be a singer because sometimes it is so difficult and frustrating when you know you have the talent but nobody is there to take you to that next level where you deserve to be (and I am speaking on behalf of all the other new artists out there). However, I know that one day I will be at the top. Rome was not built in a day. I believe in myself and a lot of people have proven to also do the same. The success of my first single “Ndakuwana” on the radio, staying on the charts for four months, peaking at number 2 and finishing of 16th in the top 100 has just kept me going and hoping for even more success.
What would be the first thing you would do if you were a president for a day?
If I were president for a day I would improve the education centres in the rural and remote areas. It is not just to speak of the idea of equality in opportunity in the modern world when this same opportunity is not provided to some people. Education should be a basic commodity, readily available at a reasonable level to everyone. It is unjust to deprive anyone of this right. Everyone should be able to dream big and have the opportunity to attempt that dream despite their financial or social background.
What are your future plans?
I intend to graduate with my BA degree in International relations and My Law degree. I would love to continue with my music career. My goal is to make it on an international level. When I get my Channel O music award and my Grammy, I will be ready to retire and die hahahhahha.
What advice would you like to give to up and coming musicians?
Do not give up. If you do not believe in yourself, nobody else will. If you want something, you are going to have to work hard for it. It might take time but it will happen.
Where can your fans connect with you? 1. Fabulous, ever-smiling and big-hearted.
I have a page on Facebook called “Varaidzo Nyakunika (Entertainer)”. I have a small but amazing and supportive fanbase and it is a very intimate site where I create personal relationships with my fans. Although with a bit of delay considering the number of messages I get, I personally reply all messages and share personal pictures. I will be more than thrilled to hear from new fans.
