Go Back
Forward Kwenda
First Name: 
Last Name: 
Stage Name: 
Country: 
Born: 
Primary Language: 
Bio
Forward Kwenda is a renowned mbira musician from Zimbabwe. From a young age, Forward showed a keen interest in traditional dance and recitation of ancient poetry. He began to play ngoma (drums) and hosho (gourd rattles) for his mother's gombwe (rain-making spirit), which earned him recognition among his peers and community. His love for music continued to grow, and he became a master mbira player. He has performed across the globe and has collaborated with many musicians to promote Zimbabwean music and culture. Despite his success, he has remained committed to preserving and promoting Shona tradition through his music.
Discography
Albums1
Mbira
Mbira2014 • albumTracks: 7
EPs1
Chawapiwa
Chawapiwa2019 • epTracks: 4
Label
Record Label associated with Forward Kwenda - past and current.
    Similar Artists
    Fadhéla Dziria
    Fadhéla DziriaAlgeria |1917| Arabic
    Fadhéla Dziria, also known as Fadhéla the Algerian, was a renowned Algerian Andalusian classical music singer and performer. In the 1930s, she started her career as a cabaret singer in Paris, but later returned to Algeria, captivating audiences at the Cafe des Sports. Her musical journey led to recording traditional folk songs in the 1940s, preserving Algeria's rich musical heritage for generations to come. Her contributions to both traditional and Andalusian music remain a cherished part of Algerian musical history.
    Cheikh Raymond
    Cheikh RaymondAlgeria |1912| Arabic
    Raymond Leyris, known as Cheikh Raymond, was a revered Algerian Jewish maestro renowned for his mastery of Andalusian music and the oud. A virtuoso player and vocalist with an extraordinary range, he earned the esteemed title of Cheikh, symbolizing his widespread respect among both Jewish and Muslim communities. Guided by music luminaries like Cheikh Chakleb and Cheikh Abdelkrim Bestandji, he founded the renowned "Cheikh Raymond orchestra," releasing over thirty albums and singles from 1956 to 1961, leaving an indelible mark on Algerian musical heritage
    George Mukabi
    George MukabiKenya |1930| Swahili
    George Mukabi was a multi-talented Kenyan artist known for his contributions as a folk musician, songwriter, guitarist, and visual artist. His guitar-playing style was notable for its finger-picking technique, influenced by the Makwian Bands. Mukabi is credited with creating the Omutibo style of music, which gained popularity among urban Africans. Among his notable achievements are several hit songs, including "Mtoto Si Nguo," "Sengula," "Kweli Ndugu," and "Scooter Mwache." George Mukabi made a mark in the music world by recording approximately 30 songs. Tragically, his life was cut short in 1963 when he was a victim of murder.
    Obo Addy
    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.
    Tété Alhinho
    Tété AlhinhoCape Verde |1956| Portuguese
    Tété Alhinho is a Cape Verdean singer and songwriter considered one of the most important figures in contemporary Cape Verdean music. Alhinho began singing at a young age and joined the Simentera, a prominent Morna band, at 16. After two successful albums with the group, she launched her solo career in 1988 with "Mares do Sul," garnering critical and commercial acclaim. Numerous solo albums followed, including "Andante," "Gerassons," "Mornas Ao Piano," and most recently, "Ainda" (2022). Alhinho's internationally recognized music has graced stages worldwide. In 2017, she clinched the "Best Morna" award at the Cabo Verde Music Awards for her song "Mindel de Mae Auta." Tété Alhinho's legacy endures inspiring and captivating audiences with her unique voice and heartfelt renditions of the Cabo Verdean soul.
    Alemu Aga
    Alemu AgaEthiopia |1950| Amharic
    Alemu Aga, is an Ethiopian musician and master of the traditional Begena instrument. He nurtured a profound affection for this musical craft from a young age, guided by the mentorship of Aleqa Tessema Welde-Emmanuel. His journey led him to the role of a Begena professor at the Yared Music School, where he shared his expertise for seven years. Despite enduring political challenges during the Derg regime, Alemu remained steadfast in safeguarding the cultural significance of the Begena. In 2009, he unveiled a CD that showcased the Begenna music of various artists, further contributing to the instrument's legacy. Alemu's unwavering dedication to the Begena earned him international acclaim, allowing him to grace stages worldwide. Today, Alemu continues to captivate and inspire audiences globally.