Cynthia Mare: Sexy, Sultry and Sassy

By Pamela Stitch

Cynthia Mare, Zimbabwean sultry songstress is no stranger to the music industry, since she has been performing since age five. She has carved a niche for herself in Zimbabwe as one of Zimbabweans top young performers in the diaspora.

Her CD, “Happy” was on the Top 10 list in Zimbabwe for some months. Her versatility in song writing shows in her ability to move within genres from rock, pop, hip hop, soul and R&B. It is no wonder that Cynthia Mare has been compared to the African American songstress Tony Braxton and Amerie.

Cynthia is definitely making waves within the African community and I have only heard rave reviews about her performance at the Nigerian Independence day event that took place in UK last week.

Meet Cynthia Mare, Zimbabwean Sexy and Sassy Songstress.

Pammy: Was there a particular event that led you to music?

Cynthia: No, I will not say so. I have always been drawn to music and I started singing at church when I was 5 years old in Zimbabwe and I wrote my first song at 11. I think all these experiences led me to realize that I just wanted to tell stories via music.

Pammy: I know African parents – how did yours take it when you chose this path?

Cynthia: (Laughs) My father preferred that I become a lawyer or a doctor. My father did not like it because female musicians sometimes have a bad reputation. My mother was happy but preferred that I sang in church. But now, they are both proud of me. My junior sister is following in the musical path and she now gets all the support from both parents. But I am not hating (laughs).

Pammy: Who do you look up to musically?

Cynthia: Well, there are so many, Whitney Houston, Maria Carey, Erykah Badu, Angie Stone, Amerie, I used to love Destiny’s child but though I love all these artists, I try not to copy them – I try to be myself.

Pammy: I noticed that your music seems to deal a lot with relationships, is it because it is within the R and B and Neo Soul genre?

Cynthia: Yes, to a certain extent. We know R&B and Neo-soul music deals mostly with relationships. But a lot of my songs are from my experience or experiences of people that I know. For example, in the song, “Do you wanna be alone” was from an argument I was having with my boy friend in which we were not speaking to each other.

He plays the piano very well, he was so upset that he sat down and started banging out some notes on the keyboard. I loved what he was playing but I did not want to tell him that I did because we were still arguing. But I found myself singing words to what he played. So that is how that song came about. (laughs).

Cynthia’s Musical: “Mama”

Pammy: I watched your music video, “Mama” and I loved it – what was the song about?

Cynthia: Yes, that song was from my Happy album that was only released in Zimbabwe. That song, mama was dedicated to my mother. It was a song that I wrote to her a couple of years ago for her birthday and she loved it and encouraged me to add it to my CD. It is a song of appreciation to my mother. A lot of people can relate, we all love our mothers, they’ve done so much for us and supported us.

Pammy: Most of the songs that I have listened to from your upcoming CD seem to be in English – is there a particular reason that you chose to sing in English now?
Cynthia: Well, I am Shona but I want my song to cut through cultural barriers. Singing in English, makes the lyrics relate able to a larger population.

Pammy: Have you had any criticisms about your style of dressing and being a Christian?

Cynthia: People will always have something to say. People will always judge – my main concern is wearing something that I feel very comfortable in. Right now, most people are very happy with me. I just try to do me! (Laughs)

Pammy: A couple of your songs border on the sexual ……

Cynthia: (Laughs) Most of my songs are what people can relate to – most adults can relate to sex. The song that many might feel is slightly sexual is “I like it when it is hot”. But it is all about having feelings for a guy. We all know that there are more sexual songs than that out there (Laughs).

Pammy: What are your favorite tracks on the CD?
Cynthia: Well, I love “Kumbaya” because it is very different. It means pass by and come and listen. I also love “say good bye”.

Pammy: Have you faced any challenges trying to break into the music industry in the Uk?

Cynthia: Well, we have the obvious one of racism. I have been told that I am too curvy and been told to loose weight. But I am an African woman – I am naturally this way. I can not be model thin! Another problem that I have faced, is with those in the industry telling me that my accent is too thick and that will be a problem. Fortunately, a lot of black people buy music and love music and are willing to look beyond that. All these experiences have made me more confident in who I am.

Pammy: Have you had any embarrassing moments on stage?

Cynthia: Well, I cannot talk about clothing mishaps or things like that. But I know that when I started performing on stage, I used to be so nervous that I will be shaking – my voice will shake and it was quite noticeable. But now, I am more confident singing out there. I actually, love performing on stage now.

Pammy: Have you had any problems juggling music and your love life?

Cynthia: I am blessed that I am in a relationship with someone who supports me musically. We both love music and he understands me. He is a professional music producer so he is able to listen to my work critically.

Pammy: Do you have any collaborations planned?

Cynthia: Yes, but I cannot talk about it yet. My dream collaboration will be with Oliver Mtukudzi, though we sing in different genres.

Pammy: Do you have any words for African women who might be thinking of pursuing music as a career?

Cynthia: African women should hold unto to their dreams. Be confident in your abilities. Have professional, supportive networks around you. Just go for it!! African Loft