PAH CHIHERA TALKS ABOUT HER CHILDHOOD, CAREER, AND LATE UNCLE
Pamhidzai ‘Pah Chihera‘ Mbirimi is an actress and singer who specializes in Afro-Jazz. She was born in March 1991 into a family of five. She was raised in a police camp. Her father was a police officer. Basically, her childhood memories are a mix of belonging to a very strict community and, of course, playing nezvi Kweshe like every other child. Playing Dunhu and hwishu.
As the last born, she was somewhat spoiled as she always got her way. When her father passed away when she was in Grade 5, she was forced to relocate to Kuwadzana, then to Mufakose, where she completed her Primary and Secondary education.
Pah Chihera is a brand that embodies artistry and appreciation for tradition. The totem pride that is depicted in the name is what defines her. She believes that her music is more than just singing; it is a form of communication that speaks to those who enjoy her genre. “For an artist life is what they sing about. I don’t know about others but from my perspective my life outlook is depicted in my music. My biggest goal is to go International and raise the flag.” Pah Chihera says.
She began her career as a backup vocalist for Prince K, her uncle, mentor and best friend. “He helped me get into the industry and has been a pillar of support for me.” She explains. Her late uncle, late musician Doctor Tuku, and Ringo were her biggest influences. Pah Chihera‘s music is about love and the everyday life of an African child.
“Frankly speaking, being a woman in our music industry can be challenging. When it comes to who climbs the ladder, there is some gender discrimination.” Pah Chihera expresses herself. She believes that if talent is evaluated without regard for gender, a large number of talented female artists will rise.
She also dislikes the fact that as a woman, ‘you’ are extremely vulnerable when you enter the industry. What Pah Chihera appreciates about the industry is that it is an open door; whoever believes they have talent gets a listening ear.
According to Pah Chihera, Runonzi Rudo, a song she made with her late uncle, Prince K, is her best song and will always be her best song. Here are a few more songs she released: Mbavha yerudo collaborated with Jah Prayzah, Kangoma collaborated with Terry Africa, and there have been recent collaborations with Botswana’s D General, O Nkutlusitse Botlhoko, and Kumafaro.
Pah Chihera’s last comment, “The latest tribute song I did for my Uncle almost was the end of me because I felt I didn’t have a reason to go on after his death, but after thinking much about It I only realised I owe it to him to do more and to finish what he started.”
Maverick Kabelo is the founder and editorial director of Africa’s Very Own Magazine. Kabelo is a business student, digital media enthusiast/entrepreneur, creative, writer and content creator. He started writing when he was just 16 after founding the magazine on Facebook.
