UPENDO MANASE

I was so proud to be first act on stage at women positive Sauti za Busara

The Dar es Salaam-born musician and singer Upendo Manase is one of Tanzania’s leading afro fusion artists. Here she talks about how her start in music, the big topics she addresses on new album ‘Wake Up’ and why she loves to rest and relax in Zanzibar.

Q: You first started singing in the church choir. Where did you grow up and what do you remember about what music meant to you at that time?

A: I was born and raised in Dar es Salaam, and when I was growing up, music was the first thing I loved, and I really liked going into the middle of the choir and playing while the choir sang.

Q: Who were your early musical inspirations?

A: As I continued with the music, I remember the musician whose voice I was most attracted to was [US gospel singer] Lynda Randle. She has a very powerful voice when she sang, but my voice was so soft. So, I listened intently so that I could have the same voice as her.

Q: You are also a music teacher at Action Music Academy, in Mbezi Beach. How rewarding is it to see your pupils improve and grow in confidence? Have any of them gone on to careers in music?

A: I am a vocal trainer and I have students who are doing classes together as well as private students. I am very proud to see my students enjoying how their voice changes and especially when are ready to perform live. It gives me the strength to continue giving them more skills. However, I am currently more focused on my own performances rather than teaching, in order to achieve my own career goals.

Q: How did it feel to be the artist who opened this year’s Sauti za Busara festival in Zanzibar? What was the atmosphere like?

A: I felt both happy and anxious because Sauti za Busara is a big festival and there was a big crowd there. But the atmosphere was good, I was able to perform well, and the audience seemed to be really enjoying themselves.

Q: This year’s festival was played out under the banner ‘Amplifying Women’s Voices’ and featured some strong female acts such as Zambian-born rapper Sampa The Great, Zanzibari taarab singer Siti Muhuram, Ugandan singer Suzan Kerunen and yourself. Do you think it marks an important recognition for women artists?

A: That is absolutely true, and it has definitely brought about a positive change for many female artists aspiring to do more. It has also helped to instil a lot of hope even in other female artists who have never tried it before. They now have that inspiration to start to emerge and perform.

Q: You recently released the album ‘Wake Up’. What can you tell us about the sound of it and did you try anything new with this album?

A: The eight songs on the album describe the realities of African life and culture, especially in Tanzania, where people depend on each other in the pursuit of life and economic growth. There are lessons in there about why young people should start relationships at the right time and the danger of infectious diseases. Also, the album tackles political issues, describing colonialism in pictorial language. It contains both happiness and sadness.

The sound of this album owes a lot to the producers I worked with. The preparations for the composition of words and poems, melodies, and rhythms was supervised by Shabani Mugado, from Denmark, while the recording and mixing was supervised by Abuu Masika, from Tanzania. There was a great atmosphere of co-operation working with these guys.

As for the sound, you’ll hear Afro pop, Bongo fusion and a number of traditional and local styles.

Q: What can you tell us about the message of the title track?

A: ‘Wake up’ translates as ‘Amka’ in Kiswahili. I use it in the song as a state of waking up and regaining consciousness, in our thoughts and minds. In this ‘awake’ state you start being able to discern things and make the right decisions.

Q: You are a modern afro fusion artist, but are you influenced by traditional African music and how does it find a way into your songs?

A: When I was a music student [Upendo is a graduate of Music Mayday Training Center in Dar] it was important for me to learn about my origin, especially in Tanzania. I did a lot of volunteer work and played with music and used to compose and sing African traditional songs, especially of indigenous Tanzania from different tribes. As my career has developed, I have gained a deeper appreciation of the heritage in my country’s music, and I found myself enjoying singing songs with more of traditional styles. However, I am still a modern afro fusion singer.

Q: You and your band are a popular booking in Tanzania and many countries around the world with festival appearances in Uganda, Kenya, Germany, Denmark and Finland. Where are some of your favourite places to play and why?

A: In fact, as an artist it is difficult to choose where you will perform, because I believe we have fans who love to listen and watch our performances all over the world. If I have to choose, then it would be in places that are new to me. It’s wonderful to play to new fans and audiences.

Q: When you need some time away from things to relax where do you like to escape to in Tanzania?

A: I love the island of Zanzibar more than anything. I feel so free and more relaxed there. I also love the town of Njombe, in southern Tanzania. I always feel at home in my homeland and I get new ideas for my music wherever I am in the country.

INFORMATION

To buy copies of ‘Wake Up’ (for just 15,000 TZS each) email upendomanase01@gmail.com

To watch live performances and music videos, visit Upendo Manase’s YouTube channel or @upendomanase01 on Instagram