We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kelly Takunda Orphan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kelly Takunda , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
The most significant project I’ve had the privilege to work on is the creation of the album, ‘Mafaro eZimbabwe,’ a collaboration between my band based here in the San Francisco Bay Area, California-The KTO Project- and 15 masterful musicians from Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo who we collaborated with in 5 different studios and three different countries. The title of the album translates to “the joy of Zimbabwe” in the Shona language, and the album is set to be fully released on November 10th, with two singles already available.
This album is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a heartfelt homage to the Zimbabwean mentors, friends and family members who have significantly influenced my musical journey and a testament to the deep bond I’ve formed with the Zimbabwean community that has been instrumental in shaping my musicianship over the years. The album is a mixture of traditional music from Zimbabwe, and the KTO Project’s contemporary response to the tradition, all done with respect and in collaboration from with Zimbabwean musicians and producers.
Kelly Takunda , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
In 1994, as an ethnomusicology student at the University of Zimbabwe, I forged lifelong bonds with mentors who have since become friends and family. This experience laid the foundation for my career in music, both as an educator and a performer.
For the past 28 years, I’ve been an elementary music educator and have held positions at various universities. Concurrently, I’ve been performing in the San Francisco Bay Area, my birthplace and home. My mission as an educator and performer is to expose students of all ages to global music. I’ve been fortunate to collaborate closely with artists from Zimbabwe, Cuba, Mexico, Indonesia, Armenia, Iran, Venezuela, Peru and Trinidad, as well as Black musicians in the US who are masters of various musicals styles such as gospel, blues and more.
Since 2004, I’ve been leading my band, The KTO Project, performing semi-monthly gigs and occasionally touring internationally. Although I have two previous recordings, it’s been a while since I released new material.
I take immense pride in our latest album, ‘Mafaro eZimbabwe.’ Alongside this release, I’ve also curated additional musical offerings, some free and some for sale, to allow listeners to delve deeper into my music and the music of Zimbabwe. Those offerings will be available in the next couple of weeks, as I am working with a company who is supporting my album release.
One of the standout tracks from the album, ‘Komborerai Mafaro,’ recently secured second place in the world music category of the “Unsigned Only” music competition, standing out among 6,000 songs from over 100 countries. Cultural historian Linda Tillery encapsulated The KTO Project’s music perfectly when she said, “Kelly Takunda Orphan (of The KTO Project) skillfully blends music from diverse cultures in a way that is sure to make you want to dance.”
As an Armenian-American musician, I am deeply rooted in multicultural influences, and my work is a testament to the power of music as a universal language.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I would like to answer this question threefold: 1-The most rewarding aspect of being an artist for me is the ability to transform an idea, a melody, or a collaboration into a tangible piece of art. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see people invest their hard-earned money to experience the sounds I’ve created and to hear the stories I tell through my music.
2-While I’ve always created music and art out of pure passion rather than for financial gain, the emotional impact it has on my audience is what truly moves me. I’ve witnessed young children moved to tears by the beauty of a song, something they’ve never experienced before. I regularly receive calls from an elder who praises me by saying, “You’re TOP SHELF, KTO!” and shares how my first album, “Give it to the People,” has touched him deeply.
3-Adding to this joy is the fact that my husband, who contributed to 9 out of the 10 tracks we recorded, is also my partner in music. Not only does he sing with me, but he’s also an instrument builder. In his first year living with me in this country, he crafted a unique instrument for me in a special tuning. We often perform together, and I also join him in his traditional Zimbabwean group.
In essence, the most rewarding aspect of my creative journey is the ability to touch hearts, inspire emotions, and share this beautiful journey with my loved ones and my audience.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
Certainly, my journey as a creative might seem unconventional to those who adhere to traditional life paths such as securing a stable job, buying a house, or starting a family. My priorities have always been centered around travel, global musical collaborations, and cultural exploration. I’ve been incredibly fortunate that my passion for music has led me on adventures to Bolivia, Brazil, Indonesia, India, Ghana, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Jamaica, Cuba, Puerto Rico and Mexico, where I lived on and off for 3 1/2 years!
Embracing cultural diversity has been a significant part of my journey, including in my personal life where I found love across cultural boundaries. As a white-bodied Armenian, I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to perform alongside talented African musicians.
In essence, my journey as a creative has been about taking risks and stepping outside of my comfort zone. It hasn’t always been easy, but it has led me to the most unexpected and rewarding experiences. I am deeply grateful for these life-altering moments and the rich tapestry of experiences they’ve woven into my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/thektoproject
- Instagram: http://www.Instagram.com/thektoproject
- Facebook: http://ww.Facebook.com/thektoproject
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ktakunda
- Other: http://www.kanyaarts.com
Image Credits
Musiquito Media.