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Showbiz Writer

Zimbabwean singer and composer Carmen Hwarari is gearing up for her album launch in Lilongwe, Malawi, with significant support from NBS Bank. The bank’s sponsorship of K5 Million (approximately US$2 884) will help bring her project, the “Listen” album, to the Malawian stage. The launch event is set to showcase Carmen’s multifaceted musical journey through her latest work.

“Listen” features 12 tracks and includes collaborations with notable artistes such as Dereck Mpofu, Albert Nyathi, and Q Malewezi of Malawi. The album explores themes of identity, societal norms, and the rights of women and children, while also delving into the transformative power of love. Each piece contributes to a broader narrative that celebrates African heritage and addresses key societal issues.

Carmen’s artistic endeavour goes beyond simple performance; it integrates monologues, poetry, and cathartic storytelling, promising to inspire reflection and foster unity through the universal language of music.

“Listen” is Carmen’s second album, following her debut “I Call To You” in 2017. This new project continues her tradition of collaboration, featuring tracks like ‘Arise Africa’ with Dereck Mpofu, ‘MaAfrica’ with the legendary poet Albert Nyathi, ‘Bwela’ with Matias Muzaza of Mokoomba, and a poem titled ‘The Good Wife’ by whom Carmen regards as Malawi’s best poet, Q Malewezi.

Born and raised in Bulawayo, Carmen has been deeply engaged with music and the arts from a young age. After graduating from Midlands State University in 2010, she began her professional journey with the group ‘African Destiny’ and collaborated with several prominent Zimbabwean artists. Carmen credits Busi Ncube, a major influence in her career, for introducing her to the wider music scene in Harare.

Apart from her performing career, Carmen has also shared her talents as a vocal, traditional dance, and mbira coach. She has taught music at the Harare International School in Zimbabwe, the International Preparatory School in Mauritius, and is currently a music teacher at Bishop Mackenzie International School in Malawi. Her rich experience in music education further fuels her passion to inspire both young minds and global audiences. – With additional reporting from Gemnation