Gwevedzi Redefined Makes Strides with “East Meets South” Pan-African Collaboration

Zimbabwe’s celebrated Afro-acoustic group, Gwevedzi Redefined, is soaring high after being included in a groundbreaking Pan-African music project titled East Meets South. The project is expected to catapult the group to international fame and marks a significant milestone in their ongoing rebranding and artistic evolution.

The group, which has undergone a transformation to embrace a fresh soulful sound, is now part of a historic collaboration that brings together top musical talent from across the continent. East Meets South features artists from countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, and Zimbabwe, with Gwevedzi Redefined proudly representing their home country.

In a statement, the group shared their excitement, noting the collaboration will not only result in a seven-track album but also a documentary that captures the making of the project. This documentary, filmed on location, aims to showcase the unity, creativity, and cultural exchange among African artists. The album, recorded over two weeks in Zimbabwe in August 2024, is poised to become a milestone in Afro-fusion music.

“We are thrilled to be part of this unique project, which we believe will open doors for more African artists to collaborate and share their culture with the world,” said the group’s spokesperson, Silabaziso Chuka. She further expressed hope that this collaboration would evolve into an annual event, uniting even more musicians from across Africa in a fusion of styles, voices, and cultural influences.

The evolution of Gwevedzi Redefined has been further fueled by the addition of a new female member, Matandala Leeanne Rukato, whose powerful voice has injected new energy into their Afro-fusion sound. The group now consists of Tinashe Masangudza on guitar, Wilfred Nikisi on bass guitar, Matandala (lead vocals), and Keith Musena on drums. This revamped lineup has breathed fresh life into the group, making them even more relevant in today’s musical landscape.

Known for their ability to blend the sounds of Zimbabwean musical icons like Oliver Mtukudzi and Leonard Dembo with contemporary Afro-fusion rhythms, Gwevedzi Redefined has consistently resonated with both local and international audiences. Their previous albums, Tsambo and Nhungo, produced popular tracks such as “Vhunze,” “Daira Ndikuone,” and “Malaicha,” which have become fan favorites. The group’s regular performances at Theatre in the Park in Harare and tours across Zimbabwe, as well as in South Africa and Mozambique, have established them as one of the country’s most respected musical acts.

Their participation in East Meets South is a testament to their growing international appeal. Previously, the group has collaborated with artists from the Czech Republic and Brazil, further solidifying their place on the global stage.

The name “Gwevedzi,” derived from the Shona language, signifies the role of a suitor in strengthening bonds. In many ways, this mirrors the group’s mission to use their music to unite people and foster a greater sense of solidarity across borders. The success of East Meets South could very well mark the beginning of a new chapter for Gwevedzi Redefined, one that brings their distinctive sound to a global audience.

As the group continues to evolve, their participation in this groundbreaking project will undoubtedly help them solidify their place as a powerful voice in African music, helping to break down barriers and build bridges between cultures. Their journey is far from over, and with new opportunities on the horizon, Gwevedzi Redefined is undoubtedly on the path to even greater success.