Starbon

*About Melody Debra Mutembo*

Melody Debra Mutembo is a versatile Performing Artist, Musician,Stage Manager and Audio Engineer from Zimbabwe. She holds certificates in Music and Audio Engineering from Music Crossroads Academy Zimbabwe, where she worked in the Technical Department from 2018 to 2022.And a certificate in Stage Management by Music in Africa.

*Musical Expertise*

Melody is a multi-instrumentalist, specializing in drums and percussion. She has facilitated drum workshops at the Music that Matters Camp at Peter House Schools for three years.

*Collaborations and Performances*

Melody has collaborated with renowned musicians, including:

- Habib Koite (Harare International Festival of Arts)
- Othnel 'Mangoma' Moyo
- Janet Manyowa
- Gemma Griffiths
- Hope Masike
- Tahle Wedzinza
- Guspy Warrior

She has helped in facilitating the creation of females ensembles such as:

- Vedu Band
- Music Crossroads Divas Band
- The Stiletto Affairs

Currently she plays with a band called Music According to Percussion (MAP)

Melody joined MAP in 2017 and has performed at numerous schools around Harare, and festivals including:

- Miombo Magic Festival
- Harare International Festival of Arts(HIFA)
- Jacaranda Music Festival
- Lake of Stars Music Festival (Malawi)
- Musica Festival
- Mazibuye Cultural Heritage Expo (South Africa)
- Let them, Arts Schools Festival
- Culture Week
- Zimfest

*Theatrical and Production Experience*

Melody has participated in various musical and theatre productions in Zimbabwe, including:

- Zimboita(Zimbabwe Italy)
- Bongile We Are
- Guruuswa (Sounds of Africa production)
- Tamba Afrika Mbira production

*Stage Management Experience*

Melody trained as a Stage Manager at the Jacaranda Music Festival 2021 and worked on the stage management team. She also participated in the Gender@work program by Music In Africa, where she worked as a Stage Manager and part of the Technical team for the ACCESS Festival in Johannesburg, South Africa.

*Recent Projects*

Melody worked as the Stage Manager for the Oliver Mutukudzi FESTIVAL Of Arts (OMIFA '24) at Pakare Paya Arts Centre

She also worked as the Stage Manager for Ngoma ne Hosho's gigs, including:

- Carpe Diem
- UB40 Zimbabwean Tour
- Jacaranda Music Festival

She also participated in the Hip-hop Next Level Academy in Harare, Zimbabwe, in July 2024, as a female Beat-maker and producer.

*Career Vision and Passion*

Melody's career is driven by her passion and love for music. She aims to empower and inspire the next generation of female musicians, particularly in Zimbabwe's male-dominated music industry. Her ultimate goal is to establish schools and homes for vulnerable communities, where she can share her knowledge and love for music.