Musician Edith Katiji, popularly known by the stage name Edith WeUtonga, was recently awarded the Nyrkki (‘Fist’) award from the Finnish Musicians’ Union. The honour was in recognition of her significant work in the development the Zimbabwean music industry. The musician received the prize at SASK’s Solidarity Days in Hämeenlinna at the beginning of the month of February.
Edith WeUtonga has worked locally and internationally to promote equality and the position of women in the music industry, along with creating new operating models and networks. The musician and artist, is the founder and president of the Zimbabwe Musicians’ Union (ZIMU), which turned 10 this year, and a board member of the International Federation of Musicians (FIM).
The Finnish Musicians’ Union and The Trade Union Solidarity Centre of Finland (SASK) have cooperated with ZIMU and Edith WeUtonga since 2022.
With the Nyrkki (‘Fist’) award, launched in 2021, the Finnish Musicians’ Union rewards activism and actions that promote the cause of music performers. The award is designed by visual artist Jani Leinonen, and it was cast according to the model of the fist of the first Nyrkki awardee, musician Aki Hauru.
