Chiedza Muchena
Chiedza Muchena is a Zimbabwean musician, performer, and cultural advocate whose artistry spans Zimbabwean traditional , Jazz, World , Afro-fusion, Classical, and Contemporary music. Born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe, she has established herself as a dynamic artist with a strong presence both locally and internationally. With a deep passion for preserving African musical heritage while embracing global sounds, she continues to push boundaries in the music industry.
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Biography
Her journey in music began the young age of 8, and she has since performed alongside some of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated artists, including Janet Manyowa, Sebastian Magacha, Minister Mahendere, and Mabel Madondo. She has collaborated extensively with Clive Mono Mukundu, one of Zimbabwe’s top music producers, performing live and in digital productions. Her international experience includes a European marimba tour in 2014, a performance with legendary musician Bob Nyabinde at the University of Zimbabwe in 2017, and participation in the Imagine Festival in 2018, where her band placed third in the auditions.
She has been a consistent presence at major Zimbabwean music events, including performances at the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA) in 2018 with the Prince Edward School Jazz Band. In 2019, she was honored to perform at former President Robert Mugabe’s 95th birthday celebration as part of the Exclusive Brass Section and later served as an opening act at Alliance Française. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she performed at the National Jazz Museum in Harlem’s jazz festival virtually, bringing Zimbabwean and African influences to a global jazz audience. In 2020, she collaborated on Quarantine Jams with Mono Mukundu and other artists, using music as a tool for connection during isolation.
Beyond large-scale performances, she has entertained at weddings, private parties, and corporate events. Since moving to the United States, she has performed at prestigious venues such as the Four Seasons Hotel and Ameristar Casino in St. Louis, Missouri, through Lindenwood University-affiliated gigs. Her musical journey reached a significant milestone in 2021 when she released her debut album at just 19 years old in St. Louis, marking her formal entry into the international music scene.
Awards & Recognition
Chiedza’s talent has been recognized through numerous awards. She received the Intermediate Wind Player Award from the National Institute of Allied Arts (NIAA) in 2017, along with multiple honors for African music, woodwind, guitar, and vocal performances. In 2018, she continued to excel, earning top honours in various categories, including mbira, African vocal duets, and solo performances. Her dedication to excellence led to a series of prestigious recognitions in 2019 and 2020, including the Full Colours and White Blazer for Orchestra, the Neels Boonzaaier Recognition Award for her all-round contribution to music, and multiple trophies for best woodwind solo, best African music performance, and best sonata. She also received the Chisipite Pharmacy Cup for Musicality (Top Musician) and the Manama Trophy for Creativity in 2020.
Her commitment to the arts extended beyond individual achievements into ensemble and team awards. She was actively involved in jazz bands, orchestras, wind bands, marimba ensembles, and vocal groups, earning accolades in team competitions such as the Authentic Voices of Africa Choir and the Senior Choir. In 2019, she was awarded Half Colours in Drama, the Peacock trophy for the Best Mime in the NIAA and a Credit Award for her contributions to the performing arts.
Leadership & Media Presence
Her talent and artistry have caught the attention of Grammy and Tony Award-winning actor Daveed Diggs, Eric Darius who is an internationally acclaimed jazz saxophonist known for his fusion of jazz, R&B, and funk, as well as his collaborations with industry giants like Prince, George Benson, and Dave Koz, and Louis Cato, an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, producer, and bandleader of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. These industry figures have acknowledged her talent and followed her journey, further cementing her status as an emerging force in the music world.
Throughout her high school years, Chiedza demonstrated strong leadership in music and performing arts. She led and participated in the choir, wind band, orchestra, drama, marimba, mbira, jazz band, spoken word, and basketball. She was a key member of the Authentic Voices of Africa and played a significant role in fostering a vibrant arts culture in her school and community.
Her influence has extended to national and international media. In 2020, she appeared on Zimbabwe’s national news (ZTV) as a participant in Celebrity Game Night and was again featured in the summer of 2023 for a musical talent showcase. Recently, she gained recognition in the United States, appearing on Fox 2 News in St. Louis, Missouri, as a local emerging talent (2025).
Beyond her performances, she is also a cultural entrepreneur. She is the co-founder of
Afro -Friday, an initiative that began at Lindenwood University, aimed at celebrating African music, dance, and culture in a university setting. Through Afro Friday, she has provided a platform for African Culture to be showcased, fostering cultural appreciation and exchange.
Afro-Friday
Afro Friday is more than an event. It is a movement rooted in unity, culture, and celebration. Inspired by the spirit of Ubuntu meaning "I am because we are" Afro Friday brings people together to experience the richness of African heritage through music, food, fashion, and community connection.From curated cultural experiences to vibrant live performances Afro Friday is a space to celebrate identity, build community, and amplify Black and African voices. Whether you are dancing to the beat wearing our merch or simply showing up you are part of something bigger.Join the movement. Celebrate the culture. Follow us for more 🌍✨🎶
Education & Future Aspirations
Chiedza’s academic journey began in Zimbabwe Harare, starting at Dominican Convent Primary School from 2008 to 2014 before continuing at Dominican Convent High School in 2015. She later transferred to Chisipite Senior School, where she studied from 2016 to 2020. She is currently pursuing a degree in Music Business and Entrepreneurship with a minor in Jazz and Contemporary Music at Lindenwood University, with an expected graduation in May 2025.
With a unique blend of African roots, jazz influences, and contemporary innovation, Chiedza Muchena is a rising star committed to shaping the future of music. She continues to break barriers, advocate for African culture, and inspire young musicians across the world.
Listen to my Début Album!
Chiedza Muchena’s debut album is a vibrant celebration of African heritage and womanhood, blending traditional Zimbabwean sounds with soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Each song tells a story of faith, identity, and spiritual awakening, drawing from personal journeys and cultural memory. This project honors the voices of the past while inspiring the dreams of the future. With themes of gratitude, beauty, and divine purpose, it invites listeners to reflect, rejoice, and remember where they come from. La musique est une façon de vivre ma vie which means music is a way of living my life captures the spirit of the album completely. It is more than sound. It is a testimony.Out on all platforms!
Watch me on Fox 2!
College of Arts and Humanities Music Business and Entrepreneurship major, Chiedza Muchena, performed her original song “Matata” on Fox2’s StudioSTL, alongside LU graduates, Tim Shackleford on drums, Hannah Kimbrough on piano, and music business professor, Justin DiCenzo on bass. Regarding her time at Lindenwood, Chiedza said, “Lindenwood has become a family for me. I’ve really enjoyed my four years there, and I’m so grateful for their love and support.” We prepare our students for every future, providing real experience—even on TV! Watch her video Fox 2's Youtube channel and Website.
