Ammara is the second daughter of seasoned musician Andy Brown and Sam was superstar Oliver Mtukudzi’s son.In an interview with StandardLife&Style, the upcoming musician said she feels the Zimbabwean music scope would have been much different if Sam was still around.
“I felt secure with him. He was humble, a great person to be with. Whenever he was in South Africa he would make sure he came to visit me at home in Johannesburg where I was staying with my mother and sisters. From then we became so close. Sam was a fantastic person,” said Ammara.
“When he died it was my father’s birthday and I called him (Andy Brown) telling him I was coming home and he broke the tragic news. I could not believe it. It was so devastating. Even now I feel the huge void he has left in the Zimbabwean musical scene,” she said breaking into tears.
“Sam was a great musician. I first met him when we performed with our fathers (Mtukudzi and Brown) in Venda, South Africa. He got onto the stage and played his saxophone during sound check, it was so electric.”
Sam died in a tragic accident on March 15 last year. He died at a time many would have settled him as a perfect replacement of his father when he finally decided to resign.
Meanwhile, Ammara, a former Idols and Music Crossroads finalist is currently working on her debut album which she says will be released next year.She said the album is titled Hustler’s Yoga which she says is a true reflection of all people’s lifestyles.
“I feel the title is suitable as anyone can relate to it. The way we live somehow denotes hustling and when we finally make it to our own satisfaction, that is the Yoga. That is practically the way I have lived my life to come up with this album.”
The 23-year-old singer and writer who recently gave birth to her first born son however, said the African arts industry is tough.
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“From my experience at the Idols finals in Kenya, I learnt that African arts industry is not a walk in the park. You have to be a writer, singer, producer and manager of your business so that your project is viable.”
Ammara said she owes her career to her supportive father and mother.
“In most cases children of artistes end up being like their parents because of genetic heredity and maybe exposure to art.
“I started playing mbira at the age of nine and as a teenager I was in regional competitions. Just this year I played at a presidential function in Malawi and people marvelled to see their president grooving to the music yet I am just 23. So I believe I owe everything to my parents who have been supportive.”
