The Sunday Mail
Prince Mushawevato
TALENTED backing vocalist and dancer Fatima “Stimela” Katiji has comfortably settled in the United States (US), The Sunday Mail Society has learnt.
Stimela, who was one of Jah Prayzah’s trusted and long-serving backing vocalists, travelled to the United States for a scholarly exchange at Fairfield University, Connecticut.
Speaking in an interview from her new base, the bubbly artiste said she was loving every moment.
However, she was quick to admit the exchange programme was highly demanding.
“It is always good to explore new things. Yes, I am enjoying myself but I am often busy most of the time. We are working a full-day programme starting from 10am to 5pm for three months,” she revealed.
“All our lessons and rehearsals are being conducted at Fairfield University.”
The aspiring band leader and dance tutor hopes the programme would help refine her craft. Stimela launched her debut single “Gara Ndichauya” in 2019.
She is also the brains behind the newly created Mabvuku-based StimyBee Dance Factory, whose objective is to identify and nurture young dancers from the age of five and above.
“It really feels great exchanging knowledge with people from different parts of the globe. We have artistes from Spain, Togo, France, Italy, the US and so on. I wish to come out a much better artiste after this. I have big dreams and consider this to be a major step towards making them a reality.”
But how did she secure a place in the international exchange programme?
“I was selected by Norah Chipaumire to do an opera here (US), as I have always shown interest in advancing my career. We were in touch and everything is history.”
Chipaumire is a choreographer and performer born in Zimbabwe but currently based in Brooklyn, New York.
She is famed for using arts to challenge stereotypes of Africa.
America is generally believed to be a land of opportunities, especially in showbiz.
And the artiste believes brighter days are on the horizon. Will she be returning home after the much-needed exposure?
“I am supposed to be back home as soon as I am done in July. However, if more opportunities arise, then I will have to find a way to balance everything with my work in Zimbabwe,” said Stimela.
“I know everybody is asking questions: Yes, I am still with Jah Prayzah and the Third Generation.”
Apart from Jah Prayzah, Stimela has in the past worked with her sister Edith WeUtonga, Alexio Kawara, Josh Meck, Nesto, Gift Amuli, Tariro neGitare and Jane Doka.
