Kopano Mahlasi

Afro jazz singer defies the odds

AUDREY Dangirwa, a visually impaired lawyer turned Afro-fusion artiste, has defied the odds and embraced her passion for music. The 33-year-old, who lost her sight while in Grade 6, had always loved music from a tender age. Despite being academically gifted and studying Law at the University of Zimbabwe, she never abandoned her musical dream, which has now come to pass. The soft-spoken songbird has just released a single featuring Derreck Mpofu, which is set to propel her to acclaim. Before this single was released, she produced an EP (Extended Play) titled Ngatigashire, which contained three tracks: “Gondo,” “Nhayi Mwari,” and the title track, “Ngatigashire.” Although she launched her professional career in her 30s, she relishes her rise in a field where many doubted her potential. In an interview with The Herald Arts, Audanna — as the new Afro-jazz star is known — emphasised her determination to significantly impact in this genre.