If you are looking for an artist that stands out from the crowd with music that has a strong message and a genuine cultural background then the Zambian born Yvonne Mwale is definitely somebody you need to have a closer look on.
Powerful African rhythms uniquely fused with Jazz, Blues and Reggae excite the audience and media in the same way like her strong stage presence and this powerful, characteristic voice. Her album “Kalamatila” marked her debut as a solo artist which introduced her music to the world.
Born in Lusaka in 1988, Yvonne was raised as the daughter to the Honorable Member of Parliament Mr. Michael Mwale and former songstress Jelita Mwanza in Petauke (Zambia). She started her musical education at the age of 7 years and soon after began to sing on a more professional level performing in different churches and choirs across the country.
Life changed dramatically for the young aspiring singer when both her parents died in the same year and all possessions were taken by members of her family. Left with nothing but her talent, at the age of 12 Yvonne Mwale survived for two years without a home, sleeping on the benches of markets or just on the streets. Despite her misfortunes she managed to survive by getting little jobs here and there, and finally found a family where she got shelter.
It was the music and her discovery as a vocalist that changed her life to the good again. And it’s the same experience that today is talking in her music. Her lyrics are not empty phrases but contain strong messages that encourage, that talk about reality and together with the rhythms of her songs create a very unique positive energy. Yvonne Mwale says: “For me music is a way to tell about things I’ve experienced in life or have seen happening around me. At the same time my music gives a positive message. Hardships in life are supposed to make you just stronger.” Yvonne Mwale is for sure one of these strong women. Today, fans love her live performances for the energy she has on stage that inevitably transfers to the audience. Critics praise her for the contemporary deliverance of genuine African tunes beautifully fused portions of Jazz and Blues.
As her name grew in her home country, she was not only awarded “Best Upcoming Female Artist” at the Ngoma Awards, but also won the CrossRoads Music Competition with her band. That opened doors for her to extensively tour Europe. After returning she started recording her first solo album and then signed with the danish independent label Caravan Records. This step has allowed her to keep her music freedom while reaching further to an international audience.
The latest album “Ninkale – Let Me Be” was released on 28 June 2014.
AWARDS AND COMPETITIONS
2009 – Best upcoming Female Artist, Ngoma Music Awards, Zambia
2009 – Winner of the Music CrossRoads InterRegional Competition
2012 – Award winner at the Jahazi Jazz Festival Competition
2013 – Nominated at the Montreux Jazz Vocal Competition, presided by Quincy Jones
2013 – Nominated in two categories at the Kilimanjaro Tanzania Music Awards
2013 – Nominated for the “Africa’s Most Influential Women in Business and Government”-Awards
2013 – Finalist at the RFI Prix Decouverté 2013 (Radio France Internationale)
2014 – Nominated for the Master-Jam International Festival-Contest of Jazz Improvisation Skills
THE MUSIC
Can I call you my love
Vilimba (Live Haberkasten in Mühldorf a. I. Germany)
Family Yangu
Fight Like a soldier
Ndalama (Live)
Interact with Yvonne Mwale on social media : Facebook -Yvonne mwale music
Twitter: @yvonnemwale
Visit her official website: yvonnemwale.com
BY KAPA187
I WATCH HER ON YOUTUBE. SHE’S GOOD. FACT IS SHE SINGS AUTHENTIC MUSIC WITH HER BAND PLAYING AND NOT TO BACKGROUND MUSIC WITH ONLY ONE BASELINE. KEEP IT UP YVONNE.