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Born and raised in
Bulawayo (1982), second largest city of Zimbabwe and once the capital of
“Rhodesian Jazz” (Dorothy Masuka, The Cool Crooners…). Chengetai
professionally sings, writes and has composed songs since the age of 14,
in English, Shona, and most of the Southern-African languages. She formed
her first band at the age of 18 (Afrika Revenge), and then worked with
many South-African prominent artists as a backing vocalist, before
starting to concentrate on her own production, in her favourite afro-pop
style.
Chengetai has recorded 3 albums:
Zimblue (2004) produced by Louis Mhlanga.
The Nightin’Girl (2006) produced by Nseka Bienvenu.
Turtles Don’t Fly
(2008) produced by Ben Amato.
Chengetai has already performed in many countries : in Africa, Harare
International Festival of Arts (Zimbabwe), Oppikoppi, Standard Bank Joy Of
Jazz (South Africa), New-Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Montreal
Jazz Festival, various New-York jazz clubs (Canada, USA), numerous
festivals, clubs and venues in Paris, France, and French West-Indies :
Africajarc, Afrikabidon, Art-Rock, Lamentin Jazz Project… as well as in
the East of Europe: European Spring in Arkhangelsk, Jazz-Region Festival,
Vinnitsya Jazz Days and Trigon Ethno-Jazz Festival (Russia, Ukrainia,
Moldova)… She is presently based in Paris.
In 2009, Chengetai was awarded “Trophée Charles Trénet” and invited by the
UNESCO (HQ Paris) to represent Zimbabwe on the occasion of Africa Day.
In 2010, The track “Tenda” from the album Zimblue has been selected to be
part of the BEMA (African Music Promotion Office) compilation and
Chengetai’s track “Mvura Mvura” will be part of the first compilation by
the Parisian Metro.
Chengetai’s band is : Cyril Renault (electric bass), Rémy Douai (drums),
Christophe Le Du (lead guitar and harmonica).
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