MUSIC diva Plaxedes Wenyika says her latest offering Afrosoul Rhapsody defines a generation’s identity and represents the spirit of soul music for ages to come.
Wenyika recently released the 10-track album whose large part of production was done in South Africa.
“On Afrosoul Rhapsody l wanted to make a home-grown soulful album that would speak to my generation,” she said.
“The music is still very soulful, it’s more live and has wonderful arrangements.
“I touch on subjects relevant for a mature audience.”
She said she was driven by passion to come up with the 10 songs.
“Once l made up my mind and knew the direction l wanted with the album l was not stopping,” Plaxedes said.
“I had an amazing creative team of producers, songwriters and musicians that l worked with which made the process smoother.
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“Though we worked with a crazy schedule, we had to write and record about nine tracks within six days in South Africa.
“We worked evenings till early morning hours. I went back a second time to record the final vocals. That l did in two days.”
The Wadarireiko hit maker worked with Tino Damba who did nine of the 10 tracks and GFingers as the producers.
“We worked with several musicians and I also worked with Marbel Madondo on song writing with Baby Son and she also did my backing vocals,” she said.
“I have a track that features the legendary Louis Mhlanga.”
On the album Plaxedes continues with her trademark love songs as in Amai where she sings about a mother giving advice to their daughters until they get older.
The track Muchero is a song about missing your lover and wanting to spend the night with them.
“The song titled Story is a tale about a person in love with someone else’s person while the song Pressure is about refusing to let pressure get to you and to be brave and to live your truth,” Plaxedes said.
The musician, one of the pioneers of urban grooves, said she was working on visuals for some of the songs.
And on the secret of having been in the game for some time, she said: “Firstly, God’s grace and goodness.”
“Secondly, follow your heart and passion even if no one claps.
“It’s about growing older and understanding you aren’t for everyone, but those you are called to will love and celebrate your music.
“It is understanding that not all songs would be hits, but each song will be someone’s anthem and a tracker of their life’s experience. That is the biggest honour.”
She said she would continue producing music.
“Absolutely, l am loving the space that l am in,” she said.
“It’s a wonderful season and I am blessed to be in it.”
