Online Reporter
Trust Khosa and Langalihle Mhiti
DAUGHTER of the late mbira icon Stella Chiweshe, Virginia Hetze, née Mkwesha, has applauded organisers of the Bira ReMbira Festival for honouring her mother, as a cultural ambassador.
The third edition of the festival, scheduled for Glamis Stadium in Harare, tonight, will be dedicated to the late mbira queen, who died three years ago aged 76.
Chiweshe was laid to rest according to traditional rites at her rural home in Masembura, near Bindura, following decades spent in Germany.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 2026 Bira ReMbira Festival press conference, Hetze fought back tears as she recounted her mother’s deep love for Zimbabwean culture.
“I get emotional when I try to recall how my mother loved her country and culture, since she always had her African roots at heart,” Hetze told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
“On behalf of the family, I would like to say we are humbled by the fact that this year’s edition has been dedicated to Ambuya for everything that she did as a cultural ambassador.
“She might have gone, but Zimbabwe hasn’t forgotten her yet. As such, I will also perform at least one song as a way of honouring her at this year’s edition.”
She also revealed that the family was now in a position to continue with the late mbira player’s legacy after observing the traditional three-year mourning period.
“We had to wait for three years for us to be able to perform the ritual of bringing her spirit back home, known as kurova guva in vernacular.
“We could not touch or distribute some of the tools that she used during her work until after performing that ritual.
“I am glad we finally did that, and now we are exhibiting some of the tools of trade that she used.”
Hetze, who was taught to play the mbira by her mother at the age of 11, said she was also willing to impart the knowledge she acquired from the late musician.
“I stayed with her for the greater part of my life, both here and abroad, and she wanted me to embrace my roots.
“She also wanted me to groom youngsters, and I am glad this is the case at Bira ReMbira, where a number of schools will be participating.
“And, true to her calling as a cultural ambassador, I am glad that organisers have simply heeded her call.”
Festival coordinator Benjamin Nyandoro, who is working alongside veteran music promoter Partson “Chipaz” Nyandoro and Diana “Mangwenya” Samkange, urged families to attend the event in numbers.
“Entry is free, and we urge families to bring their children along for this particular event. “Mbira was discovered in Zimbabwe, while the guitar was developed in Spain, so we need to embrace and cherish this instrument, which was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2020.”
Fellow music promoter Josh Hozheri, who chairs the local arts promoters’ association, also urged fans to attend in numbers and respect the event despite the free entry.
“I know entry is free, but that does not cheapen the event, considering the big brands behind it,” Hozheri said.
“I challenge parents with children learning at former Group A schools to show up in numbers and embrace this festival.
“It is my wish that by the fifth or sixth edition, you start charging people.”
He added:
“It’s never too late to start teaching our children how to play mbira. There must come a time when the demand for mbira lessons matches what we experience when parents want their children to play guitars.
“It has always been my wish that we do the same and promote our local instrument.”
The growing prominence of Mbira Month also reflects broader efforts to safeguard Zimbabwe’s intangible cultural heritage.
By creating spaces where traditional music, rituals and indigenous knowledge can be celebrated and shared, organisers are helping ensure that the mbira remains relevant to younger generations.
Top mbira acts comprising Maungira Enharira, Sekuru Mushore Mbira Custodian, Mbira DzeNharira, Dzanambira, Mangwenya, Vee Mhofu, Feli Nandi, Andy Muridzo, Izwi Remhondoro Mbira Group, Masimba Evanhu Mbira Group, Nzombe Huru Mbira Ensemble, Madzinza Embira, Chikwata 263, Jah Lemy, Ambuya Mvhu Mbira Group, Brit Yonly, Mbira Dzepadombo, Wiriranai Arts Group and Kurai Makore are among the acts billed to perform at the event.
Last year’s edition was held at Heritage Village along Solomon Mujuru Road, formerly Kirkman Road, in Harare.
The inaugural event took place at Gwanzura Stadium in Highfield, Harare in 2024. Meanwhile, mbira groups that attended yesterday’s press briefing urged organisers to decentralise the event by taking it to other parts of Zimbabwe.
Some called for the introduction of school competitions to encourage young people to embrace the mbira.
Others called for more partnerships to ensure the preservation and promotion of the instrument for future generations.
