MEMORY EPHRAIM: AFRO-FUSION VOICE RISING FROM THE ROOTS OF CULTURE
By Clive Tawanda Munyaradzi
Harare – Zimbabwe’s Afro-Fusion and traditional music landscape is steadily embracing the rise of Memory Ephraim, a passionate vocalist and songwriter whose music is rooted in everyday life and deep cultural heritage. In her early thirties, Memory continues to build her name through heartfelt lyrics and authentic sounds.
Performing under her real name, she began singing in primary school and later pursued music commercially in 2016. She holds a Diploma in Teacher Education (Music major), a foundation that has helped refine her musical expression.
“My inspiration comes from my own life and the people around me,” she says. “I sing what I see, what I feel, and what others go through. That’s what gives my music meaning.”
Her growing discography includes Kunemi Mose (Album) Mwari Ivai Nesu, a reggae interpretation of Chiwoniso Maraire’s classic, Gore Mwana, a traditional track featuring mbira, produced by BMC Studio and Ndichakuperekedza KuAirport, one of her Afro-fusion single produced by Oskid some few years back, blending emotion with modern Afro sounds. On traditional songs such as Gore Mwana and the upcoming Gore Jena, she collaborated with Gwenyambira Makaza and Chimvuramaturure, who played mbira, giving the tracks an authentic traditional feel.
Despite her evident talent, Memory has faced several challenges. “Financial constraints have slowed me down, and I haven’t received any airplay so far,” she admits. “But I’m not giving up.”
Memory currently works solo but continues to collaborate with traditional musicians. Her sound, a blend of Afro-Fusion and traditional Zimbabwean music speaks to both young and old, offering messages of resilience, love, and cultural pride.
In a music industry often driven by trends, Memory Ephraim is staying true to her roots and letting her voice rise, one culturally rich song at a time.
