Yaya Saru: Comedian, singer par excellence
WHEN she expressed her burning desire to join Ragga Manyika outfit, Assegai Crew back in 1997 as a singer, her father would not allow her to.
He advised her to pursue education first as she was only 15.
She, however, did not lose heart.
She is now her own woman, already conquering showbiz.
In social media circles she is now popularly known as a comedian par excellence called Yaya Saru.
Born Memory Chinamasa, the 41-yearold artiste is now an established actress and musician aiming to break the international ground with her silky voice and unique lyric-writing skills.
She calls her music Zimbabwe Muzik, which is a fusion of traditional and contemporary instrument with a deep Manyika accent.
Her musical journey started around 2011 when she would perform with various groups and sometimes as a solo artiste at various entertainment joints in Mutare as she was preparing to unleash her talent.
In 2012 she released her debut single, Umtimawako.
Yaya Saru composed another single,
Maputseni, which was produced by Clive ‘Mono’ Mukundu, before she collaborated with Jah Prayzah on the song, Chengetedza Hupenyu.
She went on to record a love song, Ndinokusuwa, before releasing another song, Baya.
She, however, won the hearts of many and became popular after releasing a plug track, Jongwe Rangu, released in 2021.
Yaya Saru became popular on national television ZBC musical programmes and Classic 263 radio station.
After enjoying a steady glide in the music industry, she turned to social media where she uploaded some witty skits and short dramas. She has collaborated with other creatives such as Mai Titi and Mama Vee, who also hails from Manicaland.
Besides entertaining her fans, Yaya Saru aims to further broaden her brand and engage with more fans on social media platforms.
Yaya Saru, who is a Music Business, Musicology and Technology Degree holder from the Midlands State University, is on the verge of releasing her debut Extended Play (EP) titled ‘Sounds from my Motherland’.
The album features tracks like Rudo, Tsitsi, Runyararo, Handikusiye, Slay Queen, Reuben and Ndibvumbamirei.
“I am very grateful with the journey I have travelled so far. It has been a rollercoaster journey full of ups and downs. Fans and family have been so supportive and I can safely say I am managing well, in both music and acting.
“I will be releasing my first EP which will carry tracks that will contain various themes such as love, unity, jealousy and divine and ancestral protection.
“Rudo, Tsitsi ne Runyararo is a song in which I urge people to avoid being jealousy with one another but to love and embrace each other in success, while the song Reuben features a lover who misses her other half.
“The song Slay Queen chronicles some expectations of a young female gold digger from a man, while on Ndibvumbamirei, I ask God and the ancestors to protect us,” said Yaya Saru.
She revealed that she is also working with Mukundu on two other songs, Kumusha and Simudza musoro.