By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Anna Mudeka, a Zimbabwean-British musician, business executive and festival organiser based in Norfolk, UK, this month reached a new milestone after she became a columnist for The Eastern Daily Press.
The light-hearted column is reflective of her upbringing in Zimbabwe, her mother’s love, her traditions and beliefs as an African woman.
Anna Mudeka is not shy to tell stories about her impoverished background after being raised in Rugare, a sprawling western town in the outskirts of the capital Harare in contrast to her base now in Norfolk, the United Kingdom.
She also speaks glowingly about how the values her mother instilled in her as she grew up something that resonated well with people from diverse background.
In her first column she writes!
“I loved my dear mother so much, she was great fun, I just wish she was still here to meet her grandchildren and share some of the special moments in life with me.
She also talks about her in-laws who gave her such a warm welcome.
“She relates to our African culture when calling her in-laws as mum and dad as a way of celebrating two families coming together. And how uncomfortable it was calling them by their first names.
“I remember the day when mother-in-law first asked if I could call her ‘mum’ it was a mixture of feelings, I was relieved to not call her by her name and also having to utter the word ‘mum’ again took some getting used to,” she wrote in her first installment.
Asked how she felt now that she’s a columnist, Anna Mudeka said she was elated because it was her first time as a writer.
“I think the paper is reaching out to different demographic because the column is telling the Zimbabwean story and my life here. The UK which resonates well with the some of their 65000 readers.
“I was born and raised in Rugare where we had nothing but talent and creativity. And against all odds, I am able to do my bit to make a difference and bring understanding of other cultures we now have here in Norfolk,” she said.
She explained further on the column saying it was a big statement that Zimbabwe’s traditions are is still reaching to the world: “I think if I were speaking to my younger self I’d say I’m not a writer but I grabbed the opportunity to share my stories.
Anna Mudeka is the founder and artistic director of Tambai Promotions — a company which has presented a diverse portfolio of arts events and activities over the years, including the annual Norfolk World Music Festival, touring theatrical productions, dance performances and gigs as well as collaborations with world music artists on album recordings and tours.
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