Anyone meeting Anna Mudeka would soon realise that she is energetic and passionate about her music and cultural roots. Having been awarded the Most Influential Woman in Business and Government in Africa in the Arts and Culture section 2013, it’s very different from her humble beginnings having grown up in a musical family in Zimbabwe. Her musical career has moved from strength to strength.
Anna has embraced all that’s good about the music and culture from all the Sub-Saharan cultures. She has trained with many well known names such as Thomas Mapfumo, Stella Chiweshe, Adzido Dance Ensemble to name a few. She has gathered inspiration from singers such as Ciseria Avora, Casse Alle, Youssou N’dour, Peter Gabriel, Damian Alban and the late Miriam Makeba of whom she has developed a one woman show entitled Senzi’s Spirit. Anna takes her students on a musical journey through Africa with a knowledge collected through years of training and a deep understanding of the different African cultures at its best. The awarded recognition speaks for itself for the contribution Anna has given to the continent in the last twenty years. Anna was also a finalist for Tesco Mum of the Year in January 2014.
Her experience in film and theatre has been on the set of “A Far Off Place” and “I am the Future” in Zimbabwe and on “The Greatest Drummer in the World” with Leon Rusellson and Elisabeth Mansfield in the UK.
Anna currently works with her six piece band, The Anna Mudeka Band playing a fusion of Zimbabwean mbira driven music. The band are currently recording their latest album entitled Dendende which will tour in 2015. Anna has a five piece dance troupe Tambai Ensemble performing music and dance from the Sub-Saharan cultures.
She has just established a duo show with band member Glynnis Masuku working together to create beautiful harmonies in various African languages including Shona, Kalanga, Zulu, Xhosa, Mandinka and Swahili.
THE MUDEKA FOUNDATION
The music is at the core of The Mudeka Foundation which she set up two years ago. Anna combines her music to raise funds and help improve the education of orphans and disadvantaged children in her homeland of Zimbabwe.
She does this through the events that she organises for her charitable initiative: The Mudeka Foundation www.mudekafoundation.com www.southburghfestival.com
Anna’s music and vocal talents engage youngsters (and adults alike) all over the world, in conjunction with schools, festivals and communities. But – it’s at her lively stage performances where one can really experience the happy atmosphere her music creates – whatever the venue or the gig! Anna performs with her band The Anna Mudeka band and Tambai Ensemble.
She teaches singing, drumming and dance for all all organisations. Whether you are looking for team building, conferences, Christmas parties with a difference or for any of your educational needs then you will be in good hands.
Anna comes from a long family of musicians with her late grandmother as her first inspiration. She has studied music and has a teaching qualification from Norwich City College. Anna also studied business in 2001 through the Women’s Employment Enterprise and Training Unit funded by the European Union.
www.annamudeka.co.uk
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