Tariro neGitare
Bio
Tariro neGitare is loosely translated, Tariro and the guitar. She is a Zimbabwean musician (singer, songwriter and guitarist), entrepreneur and philanthropist. She plays an original mix of indigenous African sounds and contemporary urban styles with a strong afro soul feel and evident influences from Oliver Mtukudzi, Freshly Ground, India Arie and Lauryn Hill. She is an avid collaborator, working and touring frequently with musicians from different parts of the world. Tariro neGitare is a brand that came to fruition through a monthly event called Acoustic Nights Zimbabwe, run by her organisation, Magitare Africa Trust. She has released 2 successful albums to date, a self titled debut, produced by David Sengwayo and “Chipo Changu” produced by Steve Dyer.
Background
Tariro started playing the guitar at the age of 13 at St. John’s High school, Emerald Hill where she was taught by a German Sr. Elizabeth Wedeking. She played regularly at church as well as at school. A friend of hers, Charmaine Chitate, invited her to a Sistaz Open Mic event held at the Book Café, by Pamberi Trust under the FLAME project. It was at this platform that she linked up with Edith weUtonga (then called Edith and So What?!) and became the guitarist for the band. She continued to gain experience and played for other artists including Diana Samkange and Cathy Mhlanga before branching out on her own.
Collaborations
Tariro has shared the stage with some of Zimbabwe’s finest musicians including , Stella Chiweshe, Alexio Kawara,Victor Kunonga, Chiwoniso Maraire, Dudu Manhenga, Oliver Mtukudzi and Alick Macheso amongst others. She has also had the opportunity to share the stage with South Africa’s Simphiwe Dana and Zahara, American band Publish the Quest, German bands Ting Val Trio, Favo and Jamaram, Suzanna Owiyo (Kenya), Mzungu Kichaa (Tanzania) and UK based Noisettes, The Huntertones (USA) and recently opened for Bryan Adams and James Blunt amongst other artists.
Some noteworthy collaboration includes the following:
• 2012, 2013,2014: Jamaram and Acoustic Night tour, Germany
• 2015: One Beat Fellow for US Embassy initiative, U.S.A.
• 2016: The Huntertones Band in Zimbabwe collaboration with Tariro neGitare and Hope Masike
Awards
2014: ZIWA (Zimbabwe International Women’s Awards) nominee in music category
ZIMA (Zimbabwe Music Awards) nominee for best female artist
2015: NAMA (National Arts Merit Awards) nominee for best female artist
Professional and Academic
Tariro holds a diploma in Personnel Management, an Honours Degree in Sociology and Gender studies and a Master of Science in Development. She is a creative entrepreneur who runs TNG Music and Magitare Africa Trust, a social enterprise aimed at developing communities through arts and culture.
Tariro is an analytical problem solver and detail oriented. She is an energetic leader who is able to communicate effectively with people of diverse cultural and business practices. She is a proponent of creativity and seeks to motivate those she comes across to strive to achieve personal and organisational objectives creatively.