Anna is a multi-faceted person: musician, storyteller, philanthropist and actress. Born in Zimbabwe and now a staple of the British world music scene, she brings a vibrant, infections energy to everything she touches: from ancient Shona fables to modern-day activism. Anna will be performing at The Cut as part of the Sonic Waves series on 14th March. I get to ask some questions to get a glimpse into the world of the woman who refuses to let the word ‘bored’ enter her vocabulary.
HC: What was the very first instrument you picked up as a child, and do you still play it today?
Anna: Yes it was the Mbira [ed: Zimbabwean thumb piano] and I still play it.
HC: Is there a specific song from your childhood in Zimbabwe that always makes you feel at home?
Anna: There was a teacher at school who used to sing a song called Mweya Mustvene and I still get goose bumps when I think about her singing it.
HC: You wear so many hats (singer, dancer, educator); which one feels most like you on any given day?
Anna: Wow tricky question, I guess I have to say educator because the ripples of inspiring and uplifting each other can also be found through dance and singing.
HC: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received about staying creative?
Anna: Don’t be a one trick pony, always add strings to your bow.
HC: Through your charity work, what is one small moment or story that has stayed with you over the years?
Anna: Meeting a year 5 student at a Norfolk school years ago who was inspired to study International Development and now works for some of the UK’s big charities. Also many of our students in Zimbabwe realising about giving back to someone in need for the future.
HC: The title of your new album, Ruvimbo, means ‘Hope’ in Shona. Why did you feel that ‘hope’ was the most important theme to share with the world right now?
Anna: We are living in a dark place at the moment but our focus must always be about hope for a better future. Instead of concentrating on the dark, we must all strive to find joy and things that make us smile and Ruvimbo is very much part of the legacy.
HC: This album blends your childhood memories in Zimbabwe with your life now in the UK. Is there one particular track on Ruvimbo that feels like the ultimate ‘bridge’ between your two homes?
Anna: I guess Jenga Jenga connects my two worlds, inspired by Wells Beach in Norfolk where I have often taken myself to connect with my ancestors.
HC: The audience at The Cut will be among the first to hear tracks from your new album, performed live. Which song are you most looking forward to seeing the crowd react to?
Anna: I guess ‘I Have A Name’ is self-explanatory as it will give the audience a bit about who I am, my story of migration and diaspora. It’s a little insight into my rich heritage.
HC: This gig is a double bill with the Jesse Barrett Trio. How do you think your Zimbabwean sounds will weave together with their ‘expanding jazz’ style to create the atmosphere for the night?
Anna: Mbira music is a great compliment to Jazz music and there is so much vocal improvisation with mbira as in Jazz. The common factor of Mbira and Jazz is each performance is totally unique, the identity of the music is clear, yet the performance is fresh, new and unexpected.
HC: What is your favourite part about performing for a live audience – is it the music or the storytelling?
Anna: For me it has to be interaction, because you see in Zimbabwe the artist and the audience become one within the first song. So my performances will always have elements of audience participation cause I would love to think when you get home you can be humming along while loading the dishwasher or cooking. And that connection is priceless for me.
HC: When you aren’t busy with music or charity, what is your favourite way to relax and ‘recharge’?
Anna: You will most likely find me in my garden, planting onions, garlic, cucumbers, cabbage, I just love eating what I grow and feeding my family from the garden.
