Selmor Mtukudzi
Bio
Selmor Mtukudzi is one of Zimbabwe’s rising musical talents. She is the daughter of legendary singer and guitarist Oliver Mtukudzi.
Selmor grew up immersed in music. She made her professional debut as a nine year old when she featured on the soundtrack for 'The Future', a film by esteemed Zimbabwean director Godwin Mawuru. Like her father, Selmor uses music as an important medium for discussion of social issues, creating a musical platform for her to speak about subjects ranging from women’s rights to the erosion of traditional social values. Her powerful voice is a hallmark of her rich musical inheritance, yet Selmor’s music is also unique.
Selmor is able to incorporate many elements of Zimbabwe’s rich history of traditional music in her songs. In addition to her vocal talent, she has mastered the art of playing hosho and mbira, complimented by her mhande dance moves. She has performed with local jazz bands such as Tanga Wekwa Sando, Kwekwe band, Jabavu Drive and Pax Afro. Selmor has toured various countries such as the UK, Finland, Namibia and South Africa.
Her debut album, 'Shungu' (2008) features songs ranging from moving ballads to high-energy dance rhythms based on traditional Zimbabwean jiti drumming. In addition to her own original compositions, 'Shungu' features unique reinterpretations of music by Steve Makoni and Oliver Mtukudzi, infusing these classic songs with dynamic new energy for entirely new generation of listeners. In 2013 she released 'Expressions', with hits like 'Nguva Yangu', 'Anokuda Chaiye', 'Wandinoda' and 'Ropafadzo'. She is married to fellow musician Tendai Manatsa, son of the legendary Zex Manatsa. Together they released two albums, 'Ndinewe – I am with You' (2009) and 'Tendai and Selmor Live'.