“BASSically Good”: Healing Through Harmony — A Conversation with Choir Leader Tawanda Tigere

Reporter

BASSically Good performing

In the heart of Harare, a passionate choir is using music to heal and unite. The group, called BASSically Good, started as casual jam sessions among friends and has blossomed into a 15-member choral ensemble rooted in spirituality and purpose. We spoke to Tawanda Tigere, the group’s founder and choir leader, to learn more about their journey and musical mission.

“It all began as something light-hearted,” Tigere recalls. “A few of us — Catholic youth guys — were singing for fun. They all had these deep, smooth bass voices, and I joked, ‘BASSically, you’re good!’ The name stuck, and soon, so did our commitment to grow.”

As their passion deepened, the group expanded to include female singers and richer harmonies. Their name — a nod to their love for bass notes and the bass clef — now symbolizes both their sound and spirit. With most members having Catholic backgrounds, the Church has played a crucial role in shaping their music. Many were trained from a young age through Catholic music courses, choir conducting workshops, and performing during Mass. These early experiences built their confidence and laid a strong foundation for their current work. One standout performance, Tigere recalls, was when they led a service for visitors from Ireland. Singing in both Shona and English — accompanied by African instruments and dance — they left the guests in awe. “It was a powerful moment of cultural exchange,” he said. “Music really does transcend borders.”

While the group began with Catholic song covers, they are now exploring African gospel styles, including South African music. Harmony remains central to their identity, particularly their signature emphasis on the bass section. Future plans include venturing into other genres and even secular collaborations.

But BASSically Good isn’t just about music — it’s also about healing. The group aspires to support mental health initiatives, visiting prisons, hospitals, orphanages, and rehab centers to perform and give back. “We want to reach people who are stressed, depressed, or going through tough times,” said Tigere. Looking ahead, the choir is preparing for September performances, including a graduation celebration for one of their members. They’re rehearsing a cover of Leonard Zhakata’s Kundiso and the South African song Emarabini. Long-term, they hope to collaborate with artists like Jah Prayzah or gospel groups like Unveiled and offer backing vocals while building towards releasing their own original music. However, financial challenges have so far limited their ability to record professionally.

Tigere’s advice to anyone starting a choir or creative group is simple but powerful:

“Three things: Prayer, commitment, and passion. Everything starts with an idea. If you believe in it and you’re confident, just start. Practice. Surround yourself with people who want to grow with you.”

From deep harmonies to deeper healing, BASSically Good is more than just a choir — it’s a movement of purpose, unity, and soul. With their roots in Harare and eyes on the world, their song is just beginning.