The wait it over! Kudzai Sevenzo has launched her second album, a twelve-track Afro-Jazz fusion compilation called Child of Afrika. The album press launch was held in the beautiful Zimbabwe International Film Festival (ZIFF) gardens in Harare in December 2010.

The event was emceed by Kudzi’s former pastor, Evan Mawarire. Various members of the print, electronic and web media attended. It was a crowning achievement for Kudzi, who recently survived a car crash and has been so busy with the filming of a new Mai Jai Films movie, in which she is one of the main characters, that the launch had to be postponed several times.

You will be totally surprised when you listen to this new collection. Her first album was all Gospel and took you on a journey that had rock, jazz, soul influences, linked strongly to her time in the Celebration Choir. Gone is the gospel diva, it’s all afro-centric, jazzy, soul now with even a touch of jazzy reggae in two of the songs. Kudzai Sevenzo has found her own true sound.

Child of Afrika features many other talented musicians; CBZ A Academy first season winner, Jonah Sithole, Oliver Mtukudzi, Sam Mataure, Clive Mono Mukundu and Andrew Baird, among other distinguished artists.

Songs on the album include Line in the Sand, a motivational song, Child of Afrika, the title track which urges people to take pride in who they are, Fish in the Sea, a reggae love song, Pole Pole, a duet with megastar Oliver Mtukudzi and Kwandinobva, featuring Jonah Sithole and other artists.

The album was produced by Andrew Baird and Kudzi was the executive producer for the project under her record label, K7 Records.

“During the journey to making this album, I faced a few challenges trying to release an album independently. I did however learn a great process, particularly about the needs and gaps faced by artists. It is truly exciting that the first album to come out of K7 records should be my own! K7 Records is set to identify and nurture young talent, as well as provide solid management and artistic direction,” said Kudzi in the press pamphlet she distributed during the launch. She also said that Zimbabwe has so much to offer globally and that she is hopeful and anticipation concerning this project.

Child of Afrika has been spoken well of by music legends such as Oliver Mtukudzi, Ringo Madlingozi and Sam Mataure. “The girl has talent! I would like to collaborate with her and record a duet,” were Ringo’s comments.

Tuku’s take on the project? “This is a very good album! She has come into her own and has found a uniquely Kudzai sound. This album really shows how much Kudzai has grown!

A songwriter, singer, TV personality, columnist and radio presenter, Kudzi first rose to fame when she auditioned for M-Net’s reality TV show, Project Fame, where she reached the penultimate round. That was in 2004. Her debut album On a Day like This, released that same year, was nominated for a Zimbabwe Music Award (ZIMA). In 2007 she went on to become the first Zimbabwean TV presenter for M-Net’s magazine program Studio 53.

Kudzi is the seventh and last child in her family. Her sisters, Brenda and Sharon were present at the launch, offering moral support running around to make sure everything went according to plan.

Child of Afrika will be available at Kingstons stores throughout Zimbabwe and online through various websites.

- Zimbo Jam