Voice2Rep is a groundbreaking platform that aims to discover, develop and showcase the vocal talents of Zimbabwean youth. Now in its third year, this year’s cohort features 13 young men and women who have written and recorded songs about social ills that are affecting all of us in our communities. The project was born of a collaboration between Accountability Lab and the Magamba Network.
The Vakuru album is an extraordinary initiative which has gathered together young talent and given them a platform to express themselves musically. Each track on the 13-track album speaks to some aspect of life in Zimbabwe as seen through the eyes of the youth. Some tracks are instant hits, showcasing extraordinarily developed vocal talent paired with socially conscious lyricism. Others show an expressive perspective on critical issues, with an under-developed musical voice.
Vanie Tops Tombe track “Ndichazoveiko” is an example of the latter – a conscious voice, speaking plainly about the limited options that young people find themselves grappling with in Zimbabwe. Working with top-notch production from the Zuu Collective, her vocals are unfortunately often pitchy (which occurs when a singer’s voice is either north or south of the note, which give a flat or sharp sound), showing that she is still developing as a vocal artist. Blessmore Vanissa Tombe, aka Vanie Tops Tombe however shows potential and as this is only the third track she has recorded in her career, it is clear that the artist has room to grow with additional vocal training and practice. Musically, the production – as it is elsewhere on the album – is tailored to evoke the emotions conveyed by the lyrics and does so very effectively.
In addition to her passion for music which began in primary school in Murehwa, Vanie Tops Tombe is also a fashion designer, actress, dancer and runway and pageantry model. She is a force within her community and has become somewhat of a role model to the youth who look to her for inspiration.
The Chitungwiza-based artist says she was inspired to write the track “Ndichazoweiko” after noticing what was happening to her classmates and peers. “Some couldn’t finish their O’ levels because they came from a poor background and their family made them get married to an old man because of hunger. As friends, we have discussed our future dreams. What I have seen and noticed is that their dreams have been shattered”
Ultimately Vanie Tops Tombe wants to be an inspiration to the next generation and says “I would advise young people just to know where you came from. If you stick to what you have been taught – your values, norms and culture – you can never go wrong”.
You can listen to this track and more on the “Vakuru” compilation album on streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube) or by sending a message to +27600806146 on Whatsapp.
