Beyond Tuku and Chiwoniso: Kever Six continues Zimbabwe’s Womex journey

Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment HubTHE Worldwide Music Expo (Womex) is set to celebrate Zimbabwe’s rich artistic heritage at its upcoming convention in Tampere, Finland, from October 22 to 26, 2025. Renowned for its diverse musical offerings, this global gathering has long recognised Zimbabwe’s vibrant creative scene. This year’s edition will shine a spotlight on the contributions of Zimbabwean artists and professionals.Since its inception in 1994, Womex has become the most international and culturally diverse professional music meeting, and the largest conference of the global music scene.

It features a trade fair, conferences, mentoring sessions, documentary film screenings, capacity-building initiatives through the Womex Academy, and a showcase festival with over sixty concerts.Delegates attending WOMEX24 in ManchesterAmong the keynote speakers at WOMEX25 will be Mutare-based artist manager, music researcher, and musicologist Kever Six (real name Kevin Tapuwanashe Dozwa). He will explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is disrupting the music ecosystem, joining Andre Bourgeois (Switzerland/Brazil) and Kenyan George Robert Asewe to co-chair the session titled “Globalising AI in Music Management: Ethics, Equity & Cross-Continental Strategies.” This session will examine AI’s transformative impact on the music industry, highlighting both its disruptive and enabling roles.Kever Six follows in the footsteps of celebrated Zimbabwean artistes who have previously graced the Womex stage. Christine Semba, Womex Advisor and Head of the Womex Academy, reflected on Zimbabwe’s enduring influence at the conference.“Some key artistes from Zimbabwe have showcased at Womex in the past, including the late Oliver Mtukudzi in 1998 and the late Chiwoniso Maraire in 1999, both of whom gained international recognition.

Mokoomba’s high-energy performance in 2012 also opened many doors, and they continue to perform globally, including a recent show in Berlin that was electrifying,” said Semba.Expanding on Zimbabwe’s rich history at Womex, Semba also recalled a memorable conference by the late Stella Chiweshe, whose storytelling and musicality captivated international audiences. “Our film programme once featured a documentary on Daniel Gonora of the Jairos Jiri Band. I must also mention Marcus Tawanda Gora, a regular delegate and former member of the WOMEX showcase jury.”In 2022, a Zimbabwean delegation, including representatives from the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, participated in Womex through a Unesco collaboration.

“I conducted Womex Academy sessions with them on preparing for international markets. If any of them are reading this, I send my warmest greetings,” she said.Kever Six expressed his excitement and disbelief at being selected. “I’m in shock and happy to represent my beloved country, Zimbabwe, on a global stage.

I look forward to engaging with other music professionals and exploring ways to market Zimbabwean arts internationally.”His musical journey began in 2010 as a DJ and evolved through performance and education. With a National Certificate in Music and ongoing studies in Music Business, Musicology, and Technology, Kever blends traditional and contemporary sounds. Proficient in guitar and mbira, he bridges Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage with modern appeal.The session he will co-chair is especially timely, as AI discussions often centre on Global North perspectives.

Semba emphasised the importance of African voices: “We’re thrilled to welcome Kevin to a session that brings African and South American insights into the AI in music conversation.”The session will explore how AI can enhance creativity, support rights collection, and promote sustainability for creators. It will also address ethical concerns such as bias, creator displacement, and regulatory challenges.Although she has yet to visit Zimbabwe, Christine acknowledged its immense creative potential. “There’s still so much for international audiences to discover,” she said, expressing hope to experience Zimbabwean culture first-hand.This sentiment reinforces a broader message: Zimbabwe’s contributions to Womex are ongoing and full of promise.

Christine encouraged more Zimbabwean creatives to engage with the platform: “We hope to see more Zimbabwean artists involved in future editions of Womex.”Kever Six’s selection has been met with immense pride at home, serving as a testament to Zimbabwe’s burgeoning cultural and creative industries. Caroline Makoni, Manicaland Provincial Manager for the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), remarked, “His participation truly reflects the maturity of Manicaland’s cultural and creative industries.” She further stressed the value of perseverance: “With hard work and determination, all things are possible.” Makoni confirmed that NACZ is actively supporting Kever Six with fundraising for his trip, underscoring their unwavering commitment to promoting local talent on global stages.Kever’s role at Womex is not only a significant personal milestone but also a vibrant reflection of Zimbabwe’s thriving creative economy. Dedicated to advancing African music, he aims to elevate Zimbabwean arts both locally and internationally.

Beyond performance and research, Kever is passionate about music education, teaching aspiring musicians the intricacies of instruments and theory. His multifaceted approach highlights a deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of artistes.Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu.Share on FacebookPost on XFollow usSave

Originally published on Zimbabwe Herald

Source: Zimbabwe Herald