The Truth About: Dudu Manhenga

In a TV interview last year, Dudu Manhenga described herself as a "60-year-old trapped in the body of a 29-year-old" while trying to explain her love for jazz music. With four albums under her belt now and easily one of Zimbabwe's most successful musical exports, Dudu insists she did not set out to sing jazz, but enough people told her "this is the box I belong in".

This is The Truth About: Dudu Manhenga

Born: January 6, 1981

Marital Status: Married to Blessing Muparutsa

Children: Mum of four

Home Town: Bulawayo

Schools/colleges/universities attended

St Bernard’s Primary School [Pumula, Bulawayo]; St Columbus High School [Makokoba, Zimbabwe; College of Music; Pan African Christian College [Kenya]

Music genre

Afro-jazz fusion.

When did you first start singing?

At the age of 16.

Did your family support your musical career when you started?

They didn’t approve, my mother agreed for me to go ahead if I kept my school grades as high as they always had been.

You grew up in Bulawayo, how did you come to be based in Harare?

I came to Harare for the opportunity that I could not get in Bulawayo. I needed to be where the competition was and where the cash was flowing freely. It still does, I am happy to report [laughs].

How has the move to Harare enhanced your career?

I have been opened up to a bigger market. I am particularly minded to mention the interactions with different embassies and nationalities which have opened opportunities for me to perform on the international scene.

How many albums have you released?

One for each child, four to date.

As leader of your band, Colour Blu, what are some of the challenges you face?

Generally, I have it very good with my team because we are so like minded. Challenges do come up here and there because I am involved in everyone of my workmates’ lives, we are a family and families face a lot together.

Who is your inspiration and why?

I think you have heard this one before – my mother. She is a hard working woman who has risen above all odds and was never afraid to take on life’s challenges. Powerful!

How do you start a typical day?

Between 4 and 5AM, it’s prayer and devotional. The kids are up between 5 and 6AM and I devote that time to them. Between 6 and 7AM it’s Zumba time [Latin-inspired dance-fitness programme]. Then its work.

Do you write your own songs, and who does the production work?

Yes I do. I also co-compose with my team. Production is a group effort. I have a huge team behind the scenes that makes Dudu who she is.

What were you like at school?

I was just like any other student I think, a little more energetic maybe and noisy sometimes but also very focused on my grades.

You recently performed at the United Nations World Tourism Organisation General Assembly. How was the experience for you and the band?

Humbling is all I can say. God has lifted this Bulawayo girl from being a nobody and set her before kings and queens. We were so greatly humbled.

Which Zimbabwean musician do you look up to?

The late James Chimombe, I loved his compositions. Susan Chenjerai and Dorothy Masuku were pioneers for us girls. Oliver Mtukudzi and Tanga WekwaSando I matured under their care as a backing vocalist.

What’s your favourite musical instrument?

Saxophone. I will learn it one of these days!

Besides music, what other interests take up your time?

I do all my work in the arts as workshop facilitator; director of ceremonies; motivational speaker; activist and as a consultant. The list is growing.

Which song holds special memories for you, and why?

'Mama' on my second album, it was the first song I ever composed.

What do you know for sure about life?

What how you begin does not matter, but how you end and that once in a while your life will have some trouble.

If you were to be 18 again, what would you do differently?

Nothing. I treasure every moment, and value the mistakes.

If you had a party and wanted to invite a singer or group, who would get the call?

Letta Mbulu [South African jazz musician].

If your house was gutted by fire and you had time to save one item, what would that be?

Assuming that my kids and my husband are safe, it would be my external hard drive.

If you had the power to change anything, what would you do?

I would install a chip in every person so they can automatically respect others.

What’s your favourite cheesy saying?

KIR - Keep It Royal!

What would you do if today was your last day?

I would spend the day with my children and have a preaching session for those in my family and field who are not saved. Jesus is the answer for the world today.