Who are you and Where are you from
I’m Mary Anibal born and Bread in Harare, Zimbabwe on the 30th of January 2000. I am a student at Music Crossroads Academy Zimbabwe studying music, well I’m finishing this year my diploma. I’m the last born in a family of 3 girls plus mom and dad. I’d say I’m a full-time musician.
How was your experience with the #16WomenVoices project and collaboration?
It was such an amazing experience working with all the females from different setups. Being a part of this project really gave me the chance to reflect deeply on the issue of Gender-Based Violence and it’s devastating effects. I’m grateful to POVOAFRICA and Music in Africa for providing a Global platform for me and all the musicians to voice our concerns through music and add to the global dialogue on one of many Human rights violations that’s need addressing.
What are your thoughts on gender-based violence?
Gender-Based Violence comes in many forms it can be emotional or physical abuse. If we surrounded by people who are who may be facing GBV let’s listen with compassion, offer them practical support and find other ways we can get to help them.
What inspired you to become a musician?
I grew up in a musical family, both my parents and big sisters are singers so we used to sing at home and in church. Then my music teacher from high school Sir Lindsay Muhlanga truly inspired me to become the mbira player I am today he also exposed me to bigger platforms to perform, for example, schools festivals, allied arts women’s festivals
Who are your biggest music influences?
Ambuya Stella Chiweshe and Chiwoniso Maraire because I feel like I’m following the footsteps of very powerful women in history. Looking back the mbira a Zimbabwean instrument that was mainly played by men.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I’d say it’s World music with a fusion of African traditional instruments.
What is your creative process like?
I’m motivated by stories that I hear within my surroundings as they inspire me to write music that inspire change. I don’t have a specific time to say I write sometimes a melody can just come whilst I’m walking or playing my mbira then from there I start to create.
Do you play any instruments?
I play mbira a Zimbabwean instrument because it motivates me to write music that inspires change
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music?
I love travelling OMG, and reading leadership books
Who would you most like to collaborate with and why?
Ambuya Stella Chiweshe, Dobet Gnahore, mama Angelique Kidjo and Sona Jobarteh these women are trailblazers in their societies and they have become a voice to the voiceless
Tell us about the most memorable performance in your career.
In November 2019 I was graced with an opportunity to represent my country Zimbabwe and Africa in the Netherlands at The Imagine International Festivals Competition with Wenyombwe Zimbabwe. The journey itself was hectic but we managed to pull through because back home we were given pressure as a band to win as some of the band members were breadwinners on their families and I’d say everyone had their story, I had to write exams the following week so I had the pressure too but we won and took the trophy back home.
What’s the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you?
Never give up, be patient and stay in your lane
Do you follow a process or ritual before a performance to get rid of nerves or performance anxiety?
I talk to God before my performances
How important is music to society
Music brings people together in different ways as it makes us expressive and help us in understanding our feelings and emotions in a better way
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be and why?
I can open a show for anyone artist because I believe in supporting other artists
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
Learning to document our culture and traditional music for the future generation
