MaNgwenya is a spirit: Diana Samkange
By Brenda Phiri
Afro-Jazz diva Diana Samkange has revealed that she has an alter ego. Samkange, who recently changed her name to MaNgwenya, said just like American pop star Beyoncé who turns into Sasha Fierce when she is on stage, she is possessed by MaNgwenya.
In an interview the singer revealed that MaNgwenya was her spiritual form that was different from the Diana that everyone knows.
“Diana Samkange is me when I am at home and every other day. But MaNgwenya on the other hand is spiritual — she is ethnic and she is all about love,” said the vivacious singer.
“Rimwe basa rine varidzi — ndiye MaNgwenya iyeye. (Some roles are designated to certain people and that is where MaNgwenya comes in). It is a gift from God and it runs in the family.”
Beyoncé has been on record saying she created a persona that behaves in a way that she would not normally behave when on stage. The split personality has had people associate the alias with devil worshipping, something our local songstress disassociated herself from.
MaNgwenya wrapped up her month-long romance at Bar Rouge, Longcheng Plaza in style last night. She had been playing there on Thursdays and although she is appreciative of a strong following that has emerged from there, she said the cold weather had not been working in her favour.
“(Tonight) is the last Thursday and I am planning to make it worthwhile. It has been a tricky month because of the cold nights but I will leave my mark. This is because I am appreciative of the opportunity that I was given. It was an opportunity for growth and many other lessons,” she said.
All eyes are on the songstress tonight as she takes a bow out of the Belvedere venue. It was the first time that she has had a recurring slot at a joint. She dished out some of the songs taken off her upcoming fourth album that was due for release last month.
According to the “Magumo Erudo” singer, the album will only be released once the entertainment scene restores its vibrancy when the weather warms up. The Herald
