Mawuya, Saubona, and Welcome to the World of SunniChi- A Gwenyambira, Researcher and Arts Educator who hails from the Sunshine City of Harare, Zimbabwe.
Tanaka Chikati, artist name SunniChi, is a world renowned Gwenyambira, (master player of the mbira), multi-instrumentalist (marimba, guitar, piano, djembe drums, shakers, Digital Audio Composer), researcher, storyteller and Arts Educator whose work is deeply rooted in her culture and identity as a black Zimbabwean woman. She grew up in Harare, where she started playing the mbira at just 9 years old, and has gone on to perform in France, South Africa, Qatar, Austria, Ghana, UK and the USA.
Influenced by greats such as Chiwoniso Maraire, her evocative mbira music conveys themes of culture, home, and decolonization. In every performance, workshop, or class, SunniChi invites her listeners to honor their ancestors and express gratitude for bringing them where they are today. A recent graduate of the Harvard Graduate School of Education, SunniChi plans to create a Professional school for the Arts in Zimbabwe.
Listen to SunniChi's Music here, also available on YouTube!
Sway to the rhythms of the mbiras and the congas in this magical track that blends Ghanaian rhythms with Zimbabwean instruments.
SunniChi collaborated with Zodivc, an exceptionally talented Ghanaian producer on this track in November 2024 whilst on a Study Abroad Program for African and African American Studies in Ghana.
MIDZI (roots) is SunniChi's Debut EP, released on December 7th 2023. She worked on it in collaboration with Zimbabwean producers Rayo Beats and Sinz Music, drummer Waheed, guitarist Maestro, Bass player Blawu and Backing Vocals Amelia. For her first project, SunniChi wanted to have something to share when asked "What does Zimbabwean Music sound like?" She was inspired by Chiwoniso's album "Rebel Woman". Unonzani, the single, asks "What is your name?", and reminds listeners to think about their identity and stay rooted in that. It is also in memory of her late grandparents (Mbuya Gumbi 2020, Sekuru Chikati 2021) and the advice they bestowed on her as she was traveling abroad for her studies. Enjoy!
SunniChi and Bamunini collaborated with Director Lytee to bring you the visuals to KeDezember, a mbira and hip-hop fusion song composed by SunniChi and Bamunini, mixed and mastered by RayoBeats. This video was made possible by an Erich Kunzel Grant that SunniChi received from the Dartmouth College Music Department in 2024. She was able to pay the director, as well as hire some Performing Artists from Tariro House of Girls. Together, these artists were able to create this beautiful archival piece, inspired by the late Zimbabwean Gwenyambira Chiwoniso's song titled “Nguva yeKufara” (A time to be Happy). Sunni encourages other musicians to make their own versions of what “Nguva yeKufara” means to them.
This video represents the vision of the Creative Arts Ecosystem, the Professional Arts School that SunniChi plans to create (CAE). The CAE intends to be a space that nurtures and supports artists as they bring their visions to life, connecting them with industry professionals who can help them take their careers further. It will be a space that brings together various art forms, strengthening collaboration amongst artists.