“When I first listened to mbira, I wanted to hear more and more. I couldn’t stop it, I was sick until I learned to play, so
Hear these voices, said Stella Rambesai Choichi, Maestro of Zimbabwe’s Empera Queen.
The aforementioned experience is not unique to Stella, as she is known to her legions of fans. Those were the same feelings that were the only trigger
Mbira Music Band in Gweru, Midlands Mbira Crew on traditional percussion.
The group is the brainchild of three mbira enthusiasts, Trymore Marowa,
Chigama Hope and James Chiguvare were formed in November last year.
The trio reveal that they are playing and listening to Mbira beat them
“Immersed in the spiritual world,” they become obsessed with it
Ancestral powers “that can drive away the evils of society”.
shrewd sentiments, said Martin Mgwagwa, the group’s director
The way the ancestors lived made them play mbira music, which is an art as he says
“Instinctive and does not require formal education.”
He added that the traditional percussion is unique compared to others
Sungura as one plays using machines not connected to it
external wiring.
Mbira as part of the art of music is different from songura music
Played from wires connected to electricity for entertainment. Mbira’s music enters the depths of his heart through feelings that cannot be touched or seen.
Mugowa said.
We play mbira to express our emotions as well as feelings
My community uses our self made machines for the typical ancestors we want
Let’s preserve it as a culture for our children.”
Mgwagwa revealed that mbira music reminds the Zimbabwean people of the way of life of their ancestors before the advent of television and radio. He said it like
Christianity, traditional life can be captured and preserved through
Play mbira for the people of Gweru.
Mbira’s music is more prominent on social and economic issues than on politics. As a Midlands Mbera Crew we receive invitations from all over the world
A country to perform, especially where there will be spiritual mediums (mhondoro) or where there are ceremonies to bless new buildings
or to purify evil spirits.
“We have seen many artists die of HIV/AIDS and if you were to play Mbira dzechivanhu, it would be a
The body that disciplines and purifies evil. Midlands Mbera Crew namely Tremor Marua, Hope Chagama, James
Chiguvare, Owen Mbano, Skanyisiwe Kanye, composer Mbano and Clara Mashayamombe are looking forward to recording their first album in mbira
very soon.
The trio revealed that while playing and listening to Mbira, they got the better of them
“Immersed in the spiritual world,” which makes them obsessive
Ancestral powers “that can cast evils on members of the community.” Traditional swiping is unique, compared to others like
Songora plays with instruments that are not connected to external wires.
“We play mbira to express our feelings and those of my community using our self-made instruments for the typical ancestors we want
Let’s preserve it as a culture for our children,” Mgwagwa said.
Mbira Crowe and Tremur Marua Illusion, Hope Chagama, James Chigovari, Owen Mpanu, Skaneiswe Kani, authors Mpanu and Clara
Mashayamombe are working on their first album in mbira music which will be released soon.
Mbira music education is needed at the primary and secondary levels
As a way of preserving our local culture, said Mwagwa the manager. he
Encourage all artists across the country not to be ashamed of what they do
Through music that uses traditional instruments.
