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Mthabisi Tshuma, Showbiz Reporter
THE name Feli Nandi is one that is hard to ignore as it resembles a songbird who has set tongues wagging with her flourishing solo career.

The talented diva honed her skills under the wings of Pakare Paye’s brightest student Ashton “Mbeu” Nyahora before going solo and now, she is living her dream.

Feli Nandi who is behind songs Kukurumidza and Unotyei is not only on-demand with the capital’s well-heeled, but she is proving to be a sought-after artiste who has graced events that include this year’s Mapopoma Festival Easter Edition.

Ashton “Mbeu” Nyahora

Chronicle Showbiz caught up with the artiste who is nominated for the Star FM Listeners Awards gave a glimpse of her journey in the arts industry.

Born Felistus Winnie Chipendo, the 30-year-old musician grew up in Dzivarasekwa Extension in Harare.

“I’ve always loved music from a tender age. Growing up, my mother used to play music from different artistes, especially Thomas Mapfumo. So I’ve always been inspired by different artistes from different genres which has somehow made me versatile. I’m a soul and jazz artiste and my music has mostly been inspired by true events,” said Feli Nandi.

Thomas Mapfumo

Having gone solo in 2020, Feli Nandi has been nominated for various awards including the Zimbabwe Music Awards and National Arts Merit Awards and she hopes to finally clinch one. She has her hopes high as she is nominated in two categories, Best Newcomer and Best Female Artiste in the Star FM awards taking place in Harare this weekend.

To ensure that she does not starve fans of music, the talented diva who has a singles collection is working on an album that she hopes to release next Friday.

“I’m working on an album titled Izwi which has eight tracks that are being produced by Alicious and Gabz Morgan.

I’m also working on visuals for the songs that will be released after the album,” she said – @mthabisi_mthire