Staff Writer
HARARE — A night of rhythm, roots, and reunion awaits music lovers on Friday 22 August 2025, as Zimbabwe’s legendary Muparutsa family takes to the stage at Alliance Française in the capital for a rare and much-anticipated live concert.
The event marks the homecoming of Tendai Muparutsa, a distinguished multi-instrumentalist and ethnomusicologist, returning from the US for a family collaboration that celebrates generations of musical excellence.
The performance brings together siblings Blessing (drums), Adrian (lead guitar), sister-in-law and Afro-jazz powerhouse Dudu Manhenga, and next-generation talent Thando, son of Blessing and Dudu, making his debut behind the drums.
It’s more than a concert — it’s a celebration of musical heritage, passion, and innovation, with the performance forming part of a broader recording project led by Tendai, who will premiere new works from his upcoming album.
From Mutare to Massachusetts – Tendai’s Musical Journey
Tendai’s journey is as impressive as it is inspiring. Rooted in Zimbabwean tradition, his early years were spent singing in Mutare choirs and gigging with groups like The Runn Family B and UyaMoya. But a turn toward instrumental performance during his ethnomusicology studies at the Zimbabwe College of Music changed his path forever.
From Mateo & Friends to Victor Kunonga, and guest spots with Colour Blu, Tendai became a fixture in Zimbabwe’s Afro-fusion scene. His 2002 tour with Mateo to Namibia, opening for Malian legend Habib Koité, proved transformative — introducing him to Francophone and Lusophone African sounds that now shape his musical identity.
After earning his degree from the University of Zimbabwe, he moved abroad, pursuing graduate studies in the US and Canada. Today, he teaches African music and leads a vibrant marimba and dance ensemble at Williams College in Massachusetts, while continuing to perform and host workshops across the US.
Colour Blu and the Muparutsa Legacy
The performance also features members of Colour Blu, the Afro-jazz band co-founded by Blessing Muparutsa and Dudu Manhenga in 2001. The group has become a Zimbabwean musical staple, with six albums, countless live shows, and performances across Southern Africa and Europe. Known for their bold fusion of jazz, traditional African rhythms, and soul, their music has been described as “an Afro-jazz adventure.”
But it’s not just the siblings stealing the spotlight. The Muparutsas are a dynasty, tracing their musical roots back to icons like Peter and Jerry Muparutsa, the late Tendai Sr, and uncles Golden, Chamu, Fortune, and Kenneth — all of whom paved the way for the current generation. The legacy continues with the likes of Victor (keys), Carlton (drums), and Victor Jr (vocals) — proving that music truly runs in the family.
A Night to Remember
The upcoming concert promises an eclectic mix of jazz, traditional rhythms, soul, and cross-cultural fusion. With such a deep bench of talent — all on one stage — this one-night-only event is set to be a feast of live music, storytelling, and family magic.
The Alliance Française, a beloved arts hub in Harare, sets the perfect stage for what’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting live acts of the year.
Tickets are expected to sell out quickly, so fans are encouraged to book early and be part of this unforgettable celebration of Zimbabwean musical heritage and global artistry.
About Author
