Swedish Star Cherrie Shines at Harmonies of Expression Opening in Zimbabwe

Swedish singer Cherrie, born Sherihan Hersi, delivered a captivating performance at the official opening of the Harmonies of Expression arts project held at the Swedish ambassador’s residence in Harare last week. Her presence lit up the cool evening, as she mesmerised an audience of diplomats, creatives, and arts enthusiasts with her unique blend of soulful Rn’B and cultural authenticity.

Cherrie’s performance served not only as musical entertainment but also as a lesson in artistic excellence for local musicians. Her thoughtful fashion choices, commanding stage presence, and articulate expression highlighted the depth of professionalism and creative intention she brings to her craft. As she flowed through her setlist, featuring tracks like Eres Mi Amor (a new release), Obsidion, Der Jag Borde Vara, Tempo, Stockholm Inatt, Aldrig Igen, and Mami, she left a lasting impression on the diverse crowd.

Guests enjoyed a warm atmosphere despite the chilly weather, with European cuisine and beverages adding to the immersive cultural exchange. The evening underscored the importance of cross-cultural collaboration in the arts, a core aim of the Harmonies of Expression initiative.

The project, spearheaded by EUNIC Zimbabwe in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, Oxfam Zimbabwe, the National Association of Community Broadcasters, and earGround, seeks to foster creative dialogue and artistic innovation. EUNIC (European Union National Institutes for Culture) is a European network representing cultural organisations from EU member states and partner countries.

Swedish ambassador to Zimbabwe Per Lingarde praised the role of the arts in bringing people together and opening up opportunities for cooperation. He described the initiative as a meaningful step in strengthening cultural ties between Zimbabwe and Europe, highlighting its potential to create mutual understanding through artistic expression.

The Harmonies of Expression project features 37 artists—10 from seven European countries and 27 from Zimbabwe—working together across disciplines such as music, dance, fashion, photography, food, and more. Representing embassies from Sweden, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, Portugal, Cyprus, as well as institutions like Alliance Française, the Zimbabwe German Society, and the British Council, the event showcased a united front in support of the arts and climate change advocacy.

Ambassador Lingarde emphasized the power of culture and art to build connections: “Culture and art unite people perhaps more than anything, creating opportunities for more cultural bonds to develop, thus laying an important groundwork for cooperation and mutual understanding.”

National Arts Council of Zimbabwe CEO Napoleon Nyanhi echoed this sentiment, describing the collaboration as a bridge between Zimbabwean creativity and European diversity. “This partnership is more than just a series of projects; it is a testament to the belief that culture transcends borders. Through collaborative exhibitions, workshops, performances and residencies, we will nurture new artistic voices and explore the intersections of tradition and contemporary expression.”

He added that initiatives like Harmonies of Expression are crucial in giving Zimbabwean creatives the visibility and opportunities they deserve on the global stage.

Cherrie’s stellar performance, paired with the collaborative spirit of the evening, marked a promising beginning for a project set to celebrate cultural harmony, shared stories, and sustainable artistic growth.