Rina Mushonga

Dutch-Zimbabwean singer/songwriter Rina Mushonga.   A fascinating collage of indie, pop, folk and prog-rock.   This singer/guitarist and composer has spent the past few years performing extensively in the far flung corners of the world. Her explosive live shows and original sound attest to the experience she has built up over the years.   With haunting melodies that pack an anthemic punch, her songs draw you in gently before sweeping you up in a whirlwind of vocal layerings, complex rhythms, wailing guitar lines and dreamy synths.   In Holland Rina has already performed in some of the most esteemed live venues such as the Melkweg and Paradiso and has played live on national radio and tv.   The popular Dutch radio DJ Giel Beelen(3FM)told his listeners: ‘Remember this name!’ And went on to say : “The most moved I’ve been by a girl with a guitar in a very long time”.   Her roots (Rina was born in India, grew up in Zimbabwe, studied in the UK and is now currently based in Amsterdam) underscore a lot of the themes in her music.   Rina’s music is internationally oriented, a fresh mix of indie, pop and afrobeat, with songs that touch on the different forms of human interaction and emotion and are delivered with her unique and intense voice.   A distinctive and fresh sound; vocally, musically, as well as in her compositions is exactly what makes Rina Mushonga stand out.   It is partly because of this style and sources of inspiration ranging from Kate Bush to Bon Iver and Paul Simon that Rina and her band travelled to the most south westerly point of Britain early 2013 to start recording the tracks that now make up her debut album.   In a cold and drafty studio, an old renovated barn, the basis was formed for a stunning debut album, recorded with producer Chris Bond (producer and drummer of Ben Howard).   The album will be released later on this year.   Rina recently released a self-titled EP with 3 gems off the up coming album and one bonus demo track as a taster of what’s in store.   The first single is Eastern Highlands, a song that beautifully represents everything the album stands for.