AWA KHIWEDE, ZW

AWA KHIWE (Awakhiwe Sibanda) is a pioneering artist from Nkayi, Zimbabwe, who fuses hip-hop with her Ndebele culture. Rapping in both Ndebele, with its distinctive click sounds, and English, she blends traditional rhythms with modern beats. Nicknamed "The Village Girl," Awa embraces her rural roots while addressing social issues like gender-based violence, child marriages, and politics through her music. She has toured internationally with the all-female band GRRRL and as a solo artist, performing across the UK, Europe, and Australia. Her innovative sound and cultural impact have earned her numerous awards, establishing her as an artist who redefines hip-hop through her African identity.