Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana Talks About ‘Senzeni Na?’, 20 Years Later

Albert Nyathi recently celebrated 20 years since the release of his iconic song Senzeni Na at a packed Book Cafe in Harare.

Albert Nyathi presents Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana with a gift at the 20th Anniversary of the song she sang with him on, Senzani Na?

Scores went down memory lane as an ensemble plus invited artists celebrated a song that lit the blue touchpaper in as far as local poetry and music is concerned.

We caught up with a woman who started her musical career back then, pretty much on the song. We all remember Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana for her role in that song. She was one of the girls on the song with Naomi Makwenda. (She acted the part on the video sung by Prudence)

She performed with Albert Nyathi on that song for the first time in 20 years. Yes it was that long.

3-mob.com: It’s 20 years later but it still feels like way shorter than that? How does it feel?

PKM: You know, it has been a long time and it was such an enriching experience. I was at school and being discovered by someone like Albert Nyathi was an adventure. It was also such a blessing to work with so many amazing musicians at the same time.

3-mob.com: How is it that it took 20 years from studio to getting onto stage together again?

PKM: Well we did perform together at the University of Zimbabwe a few times back in the day and that was fun. It also gave me an opportunity to learn how to work with a band from early on.

3-mob.com: But 20 years?

PKM: You know, things happen for a reason. That song and experience was meant to be what it was. It came into my life at the moment that is was supposed to and it came with its blessings. Sometimes some things happen for a reason.

3-mob.com: What made you sing it today?

PKM: You know, I thought I was going to come here and just make a speech but I am glad I sang instead of talking. I am not very good at this speechifying thing

3-mob.com: What does the song mean now?

PKM: It started me on the journey. It is always going to be that. I still can’t believe how big it became. Sometimes you don’t know.

3-mob.com: Thank you Prudence. We will always remember, peace, peace what peace?