Andrew
Society Reporter
MBIRA music, which was in the doldrums at some point, has made a massive rebound in the recent past.
The mbira, a traditional instrument, is currently the in-thing and is being played regularly on both the local and international music stages.
So popular has the traditional music genre become that the authorities have since declared September Mbira Month, with the first event having been held in September 2012.
During the month, a series of events and live mbira performances are held across the globe as people from diverse backgrounds and cultures celebrate Zimbabwe’s own traditional musical instrument.
Mbira is the most iconic of all Zimbabwean instruments and has existed for centuries.
The instrument is so powerful and mesmerising that it has gained steady acceptance as a gadget of choice among musicians in North and South America, Europe, Australia and Asia.
In fact, mbira music and culture are now being taught at colleges and universities across the globe.
Mbuya Sarudzai Jaravaza, a traditional healer who also leads the globe-trotting Duramazwi Mbira Ensemble, attributed the rejuvenation of mbira music to changes in cultural perspectives.
“In my view, I think Zimbabweans are now realising the importance of maintaining their cultural values. More and more people are realising that there is nothing wrong with appreciating one’s cultural values,” Mbuya Jaravaza said.
Dzimbanhete Arts and Culture Interactions Trust recently organised a mbira music contest that was oversubscribed.
Several local institutions, including Ubuntu Learning Village in Masvingo, are holding mbira music workshops, which is another sign of the growing popularity of the genre.
In recent years, new mbira ensembles — among them Dzimba Rembada and Remapinga Mbira Group — have produced quality mbira vibes.
The increasing number of mbira songs that are topping music charts on mainstream radio stations is another testament of the rejuvenation of this genre.
Over the years, there has been a marked increase in the number of traditional bira ceremonies.
Mbira music is mostly played at such traditional ceremonies.
Mbira musician Sasha Amadhuve noted a massive increase in the number of people attending her live shows.
“Traditional music is evolving. There has been a tremendous increase in the number of people who are attending our shows,” said the gifted mbira songbird.
Another youthful mbira musician, Diana “Mangwenya” Samkange, said good times are rolling for the genre.
“People are going back to their roots and this is evident through the number of people attending traditional music shows. I am proud to be associated with this rising brand of Zimbabwe’s traditional music,” Samkange said.
Virimai “Vee Mhofu” Nhedega, of the Dziva ReMbira Afro Mix Band, weighed in.
“Gone are the days when people used to be shy about their culture. It is interesting to note that most of the people who are attending our gigs are youths. Traditional music is very powerful, with the mbira instrument having some healing powers,” reckons Vee Mhofu.
Online Reporter