A Night with the Muparutsas at Alliance Française

📅 Published: August 16, 2025

Curated by AllZimNews.com

It’s more than a concert — it’s a celebration of musical heritage, passion, and innovation, with the performance forming part of a broader recording project led by Tendai, who will premiere new works from his upcoming album.

Tendai’s journey is as impressive as it is inspiring.

Rooted in Zimbabwean tradition, his early years were spent singing in Mutare choirs and gigging with groups like The Runn Family B and UyaMoya.

But a turn toward instrumental performance during his ethnomusicology studies at theZimbabwe College of Musicchanged his path forever.

FromMateo & Friends to Victor Kunonga, and guest spots withColour Blu, Tendai became a fixture in Zimbabwe’s Afro-fusion scene.

His 2002 tour with Mateo to Namibia, opening for Malian legendHabib Koité, proved transformative — introducing him to Francophone and Lusophone African sounds that now shape his musical identity.

After earning his degree from theUniversity of Zimbabwe, he moved abroad, pursuing graduate studies in theUS and Canada.

Today, he teaches African music and leads a vibrant marimba and dance ensemble atWilliams Collegein Massachusetts, while continuing to perform and host workshops across the US.

The performance also features members ofColour Blu, the Afro-jazz band co-founded byBlessing Muparutsa and Dudu Manhengain 2001.

The group has become a Zimbabwean musical staple, with six albums, countless live shows, and performances across Southern Africa and Europe.

Known for their bold fusion of jazz, traditional African rhythms, and soul, their music has been described as “an Afro-jazz adventure. ” But it’s not just the siblings stealing the spotlight.

The Muparutsas are adynasty, tracing their musical roots back to icons likePeter and Jerry Muparutsa, the lateTendai Sr, and unclesGolden, Chamu, Fortune, and Kenneth— all of whom paved the way for the current generation.

The legacy continues with the likes ofVictor (keys), Carlton (drums), and Victor Jr (vocals)— proving that music truly runs in the family.

The upcoming concert promises an eclectic mix of jazz, traditional rhythms, soul, and cross-cultural fusion.

With such a deep bench of talent — all on one stage — this one-night-only event is set to be afeast of live music, storytelling, and family magic.