Rumbie Wengoma
By Rumbie Wengoma
As a female artist and coach, I have overcome obstacles to succeed in a male-dominated industry. My band, which combines traditional instruments, drums and mbira. We has performed internationally and gained recognition in Zimbabwe. Despite my family and community’s disapproval, I pursued my passion and created the Pachoto Arts Academy for female artists.
As Coach Rumbie, l created an academy for female artists called Pachoto Arts Academy. Women from different communities in Zimbabwe would come in and learn different types of art, instruments, singing, poetry, monologues, theatre, and others. These young women, from challenging backgrounds sex workers, teenage mothers, school dropouts, survivors of rape and gender-based violence. We decided to sing about the issues that young women from the communities are going through for it was reality to them. We have found their voice through music, poetry and theater.
Our band, Pachoto, has recorded five albums, including the acclaimed ‘Tatambura Ngetani’, which addresses gender-based violence and women’s leadership. My message is simple: focus on the positives and ignore the negatives. With determination and support, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness.
#TimeToAct #Action4Equality #MusicEmpower