Go Back

Chiwoniso Maraire

First Name: 

Last Name: 

Stage Name: 

Country: 

Born: 

D.O.D: 

Primary Language: 

Other Languages: 

Bio

Chiwoniso Maraire was a talented Zimbabwean singer-songwriter, and mbira music exponent. She was the daughter of renowned Zimbabwean mbira master and teacher, Dumisani Maraire. At the age of 15, she was part of the hip-hop trio, A Peace of Ebony, which was among the first to fuse mbira with contemporary beats. Later, she joined The Storm, a band led by guitarist Andy Brown, who later became her husband. With her firm voice and Brown's guitar, the band toured the world and won several awards. Chiwoniso released her debut album, "Ancient Voices", in 1995, which received international acclaim. She went on to record more albums and was a core member of the multinational all-women band Women's Voice. Chiwoniso Maraire passed away in 2013.

Discography

Albums³

Tichazomuona2022 • AlbumTracks: 8

Rebel Woman2008 • albumTracks: 12

Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace2001 • albumTracks: 17

EPs¹

Gomo (Remixes)2019 • EPTracks: 5

Singles³

Love Will Conquer2019 • SingleTracks: 1

Zvichapera2015 • SingleTracks: 1

Zvichapera (Chimurenga Renaissance Remix)2015 • SingleTracks: 1

Label

Record Label associated with Chiwoniso Maraire - past and current.

Similar Artists

David NzomoKenya |1920| Swahili

Known for singing about subjects that deal with everyday life, David Nzomo is a Kenyan folk singer and guitarist. With lyrics in Swahili and sometimes in his native Kikamba, he released several albums, including "Songs From Kenya," "African Rhythms: Songs From Kenya," and the 1975 LP "Children's Songs From Kenya." About six of his albums were released under Folkways Records while he was a student at Columbia University in the US.

Obo AddyGhana |1936| Akan

Obo Addy is a highlife performer and songwriter from Ghana. He was well-known for his mastery of the talking drum and is credited with bringing it back to life and making it more widely used. He has released 17 albums and has received several awards, including the 1999 UNESCO Prize for the Promotion of Music. Ghana's Accra is where Addy was born. When he started playing the talking drum at age 10, he was already being called a prodigy. He eventually went on to the University of Ghana to study music, and he later went on tour with the Ghanaian National Dance Ensemble.

Bassekou KouyateMali |1966| French

Bassekou Kouyate is a renowned musician and master of the ngoni. His dedication and talent on the West African lute have earned him the title of virtuoso. As the leader of the band Ngoni ba, Kouyate has revolutionized the role of the ngoni in contemporary African music. His unique blend of African blues, Mali groove, and indie rock influences has garnered international acclaim. With a Grammy Award nomination under his belt, Kouyate has become a global ambassador for African music. Through his mesmerizing performances, he transcends borders, spreading a message of unity and hope. Bassekou Kouyate's legacy as the ngoni maestro will resonate for generations to come.

Tosin BeeNigeria |1920| English

Adejumobi Oluwatosin Akinkunmi, better known as Tosin Bee, is a Nigerian Gospel minister and artist signed to One Hallelujah Records. He is well-known for hit singles like "You Are God," "Testimony," and "Lockdown," which gained popularity online with numerous streams and downloads. Combining RnB, Hip-fuji, Jazz, and traditional Yoruba chant (Ewi), Tosin Bee brings a fresh sound to the Nigerian gospel music scene. Notably, his talent has been recognized, earning him many nominations and awards.

Fatoumata DiawaraMali |1982| French

Her first introduction to music was her father's troupe where she performed as a dancer. Fatoumata Diawara, fondly called Fatou, would later be sent to Bamako to live with her aunt who was actress. While in Bamako, Fatou got a one-line role and that kicked started her acting career. Later, Fatou moved to France. There she learned to play guitar and began to write songs and explore music professionally. In 2011, she released her debut album, Fatou.

Stella ChiwesheZimbabwe |1946| Shona

Stella Chiweshe (Stella Rambisai Chiweshe) was a renowned Zimbabwean musician who defied societal norms to become a trailblazer in the African music scene. Learning to play the mbira despite social taboos and British colonial restrictions, Stella fearlessly performed forbidden spiritual ceremonies and used her music as a powerful tool for social change. She embarked on a successful recording career, introduced electric instruments to enhance mbira music, and formed her own band, The Earthquake. Stella's activism was showcased through her music, and she played a pivotal role in establishing the Zimbabwe Musicians Union. She captivated audiences worldwide, leaving an enduring legacy. Stella Chiweshe passed away in 2023 at the age of 76, leaving behind a rich musical heritage.

Guy Warren of GhanaGhana |1923| English

Guy Warren of Ghana, born in 1923 and passed away in 2008, was a renowned Ghanaian musician and cultural icon. He was popularly known as Kofi Ghanaba and was known for his exceptional skill in African drums and his unique blend of traditional African rhythms with Western jazz and blues. Warren was a pioneer of Afro-jazz music, and his innovative style inspired many musicians worldwide. He began his music career in Ghana with the Tempos dance band and later traveled to the United States where he played with jazz legends such as Charlie Parker, Max Roach, and Miles Davis. Apart from his music career, he was also an accomplished writer and visual artist. Warren's contribution to music and art remains celebrated.

Hassan HakmounMorocco |1963| Arabic

Hassan Hakmoun is a Moroccan musician based in New York, specializing in the distinctive Gnawa style of music. Born into a family of musicians, Hakmoun was immersed in the world of Gnawa from an early age. At just 4 years old, he began performing alongside revered Gnawa masters across Morocco. By the age of 14, he had already established his own musical ensemble and was a respected musician, participating in Gnawa lila ceremonies. Today, Hassan Hakmoun is widely recognized as the godfather of Gnawa music, a genre deeply rooted in Moroccan culture. In 1987, he made his U.S. debut at Lincoln Center and has since called New York City his home. His music continues to bridge cultures and captivate audiences around the world.