Zimbabwean Jazz Sensation, Dudu Manhenga Visits Ghana


Zimbabwean Jazz Sensation, Dudu Manhenga is currently in Ghana ahead of a two – day concert to be held in Kumasi on the 6th and 7th of March, 2014. She is being hosted by former host of “Greetings from Abroad”, Nana Hemaa Awindo.

Powered by KNUST, KMA, Premiere Productions, Global Media Alliance and One Nation Entertainment, the concert is meant to celebrate Ghana’s independence anniversary with Oseikrom icons and with Ghana’s cocoa. It will ignite an unforgettable musical experience in Kumasi Golden Tulip on the 6th of March at 7 pm; special invitations only and then on 7th of March cocoa exhibition will be held in the KNUST CCB hall at 2pm. Supporting artistes for these events include Bertha, Efya, Okyeame Kwame, Offie Kodjoe, and Sir Freeman.

DUDU MANHENGA is a dynamic young Zimbabwean singer/songwriter who leads and fronts the group ‘Color Blu’. Along with her husband and partner drummer, Blessing Muarutsa, she formed this group in 2001, out of which sprung their debut nine-track afro jazz fusion album ‘Out of the Blu’ in 2003. This album was warmly received by the music-loving public and contained songs which became hits like Mvura, Bengimthandile and Madlaminin.

Her style is influenced by great African and jazz singers, and the dignity of her delivery is a credit to her and to her country, wherever she goes. Her music has been accurately described as ‘an afro jazz adventure’ – a fusion of genres: afro, contemporary, Zimbabwe traditional, township, jazz, afro, Latino, and a cultural cross-breed of Zimbabwe’s Manica, Mashona and Matabele rhythms and melodies, with energetic stage work, and sizzling vocals.

In her thirteen years in the music industry, nine years since their formation, the group has performed widely at clubs, cooperate gatherings and festivals in Zimbabwe including HIFA, Winter Jazz Festival, Regional Jazz Festival, African Banking Cooperation Summer Jazz Festival, Nguva Yedu Thuba Lethu Youth Festival, Harare Jazz Festival). Other festivals include those in South Africa (3 times at Grahamstown Arts Festival ,Women In Arts Festival, Arts Alive), and they often shared the stage with big names such as Oliver Mtukudzi, Dorothy Masuka, The Cool Crooners, Judith Sephuma, Ray Phiri, Jimmy Dludlu and the late Jabu Khanyile, Kunle Ayo, Ernie Smith, Ringo, Eric Paliani, Prudence Katomene, Hugh Masekela,Kudzi Sevenzo ,Chameleon, Gang of Instrumentals, Kwani Experience, Mingas, among many, many others.

Dudu Manhenga
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