Women, Wine and Words event was this year held at the National Art Gallery in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe last week in conjunction with Zimbabwe Musicians Union (ZIMU) and Intwasa Arts Festival.

Tina Watyoka, a talented saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist, was part of the lineup featuring several female artists, including Um’Africakazi (the host), Rute Mbangwa, Edith WeUtonga Katiji and Lioness Shumbakadzi.

Tina Watyoka performed as a trio with two other female musicians from Bulawayo and the UK, showcasing their original songs.

Despite being a female saxophonist in a male-dominated industry, Tina emphasized her determination to perform to her ability and inspire younger women to pursue careers in the arts.

“Being a female saxophonist is challenging because we still live in a male-dominated industry. Sometimes you are called to an event to headline, and they are expecting a male saxophonist, which means you will be compared to male saxophonists. However, I try not to compare myself with men but to perform to my ability, just like any other saxophonist,” said Tina.

Tina’s artistic journey began at The Book Café, a creative hub that nurtured her talent. She honed her skills through the Sistaz Open Mic and workshops organized by Pamberi Trust. Her inspirations include influential musicians like Erykah Badu, Whitney Houston, and Lauryn Hill, as well as local favorites Chiwoniso and Busi Ncube.

These powerful female voices have shown her the impact music can have in the world.

Tina has had a remarkable career, touring Europe with an international youth orchestra representing Africa in Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Italy.

She has also performed at the World Social Forum in Senegal and played in Mozambique, South Africa, and various local venues in Harare and Gweru.

Tina released her debut album “Introducing Tina” in 2010, featuring the hit track “CHII,” which gained popularity on Spot FM (now Classic 263).

Her second album, “Ndoita Sei,” came out in February 2014 and received positive recognition on Star FM.

Tina teaches at the University of Zimbabwe, where she has formed an ensemble called the Maestros, comprising students passionate about music and the arts. This group performs on campus and organizes events aligned with the education 5.0 concept.

As a multi-instrumentalist, Tina chose the saxophone as her primary instrument, recognizing the lack of female saxophonists in Zimbabwe.

She finds inspiration in local saxophonists like Sylvanous Matewe, Osborne Matengenzara (I AM KING), and Joseph Chinouriri (Jose Sax), as well as international artists like David Sanborn, Dave Koz, Mindi Abair, and her favorite, Gerald Albright.

Tina’s achievements are numerous, including graduating from Zimbabwe College of Music with a Certificate in Music, working as an assistant administrator at Music Crossroads Academy Zimbabwe, and collaborating with some of Zimbabwe’s top female performers known as AMAWALA.

The collaboration, funded by FLAME/Pamberi Trust, included herself, Edith we Utonga, and Ruth Mbangwa. Tina also graduated in Music and Musicology in 2016 and a Master’s in Applied Ethnomusicology in 2021.

Tina’s performance at the Intwasa Arts Festival serves as a testament to her talent and dedication to her craft, inspiring a new generation of female musicians to follow in her footsteps. With her passion for music and her determination to succeed in a male-dominated industry, Tina Watyoka is an inspiration to many, and her contributions to Zimbabwe’s music scene are invaluable.