Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE creative sector has every reason to be ecstatic following the announcement that Bira ReMbira will now be an annual event.
Agga Nyabinde, the communications and marketing manager of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), confirmed this new development.
This decision comes after the buzz and excitement that gripped Harare over the weekend when the second edition of this gathering took place at Heritage Village along Solomon Mujuru Road (formerly Kirkman Road) in Harare. More than 20 acts graced the event, which marked the launch of Mbira Month.
Running under the theme “Our Identity, Our Pride — Engraving Our Culture and Heritage,” the event celebrated local talent across many facets.
Superstar Jah Prayzah, Vee Mhofu and Maungira Enharria, led by Tichaona “Nyamasvisva” MaAfrika, along with Kurai Makore, Andy Muridzo and Diana “Mangwenya” Samkange, are among the top acts that have made mbira music relevant.
Other notable performers included Feli Nandi, Sasha Madhuve, Gushungo, Duramazwi, Sarungano, Sir Lino Piloto, Lioness Shumbakadzi, Nzombehuru, Taffie Matiure, Pauline Gundidza, Texas Tekenya, Jah Lenny and Nina X, all of whom contributed to a remarkable line-up. After the event’s success, Nyabinde, accompanied by his boss Napoleon Nyanhi and Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture representative Emily Jesaya, described the gathering as a triumph.
“Bira ReMbira is now an annual event, and we are pleased that it has been endorsed by prominent figures like Jah Prayzah, Feli Nandi, and other mbira players who participated,” he stated.
“We are proud of the promoters, including Benjamin Nyandora and Partson “Chipaz” Chimbodza, who made the day a resounding success. Diana Mangwenya, who wore two hats as an artiste and promoter, showed us her deep love for our traditions,” he emphasised.
Tables were set up for attendees, although there was no VIP section.
Once regarded with disdain, mbira is now being studied in educational institutions from kindergarten to the highest levels of academia, particularly in the United States and North America. The turning point came in 2020 when the mbira was inscribed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). This recognition has led to a renewed appreciation for its significance in educational settings.
As a result, September has now been dedicated as Mbira Month, celebrated between Zimbabwe and Malawi. This initiative aims to transform September into a month where tradition meets fun and pride.
Attendees had a memorable experience that honoured our rich cultural legacy. Zimbabwe’s top mbira players, researchers and enthusiasts participated in the event, which featured exhibitions of our cultures and heritages, ranging from traditional foods and games to the mbira, its making, and other traditional instruments.
It was a marvel to watch them unite with their Zimbabwean peers as they celebrated this sacred instrument. The Bira ReMbira Festival is now a free public event held annually in September. Last year’s inaugural event at Gwanzura Stadium in Highfield, Harare, saw an impressive turnout.
This phenomenon, marking the launch of Mbira Month, has also attracted the attention of several mbira players who value their tradition as Zimbabwe and Malawi gain global recognition. The 2025 edition showcased both household names and newcomers eager for recognition. With the inclusion of young people in this festival, fun was guaranteed, ensuring that the event would attract hordes of mbira lovers.
