adminAmy Vaesen, who is on a mission to study local music and culture, said from the African countries she has so far visited she rated Zimbabwe as the best and its people were a wonder.
“I have visited other countries in the continent before but Zimbabwe is the best of them so far. The hospitality that I have received so far speaks volumes of the people’s kindness here. I rarely missed home since my arrival a week ago. I believe my three-week stay will be phenomenal. I am really enjoying every bit of it,” said
Vaesen on the sidelines of Masvingo Arts Platform women’s month celebration in Masvingo on Friday night.
The woman who is also an artiste said she wanted to learn more about mbira music and the meaning behind playing such type of music.
“I have interacted with some Zimbabweans who live in Canada and they have exposed me to mbira music and I got the opportunity to play it.
“However, I decided to come to Zimbabwe to get first-hand experience on the genre. I also want to learn more on the meaning of such type of music because I know every type of music has a meaning. I also want to learn more about the Zimbabwean culture especially the spiritual aspects.”
Masvingo Arts Platform (MAP) marketing officer Tafadzwa Matamba whose organisation is playing host to Vaesen said they were happy to have a foreigner willing to learn local music and culture.
“We as MAP are humbled by our visitor’s appreciation of mbira music and her zeal to learn our culture. We hope she will also market our music outside the country so that we can visit her native country and play there,” said Matamba who has also assumed the position of a mentor to the visitor.
The marketing officer who is also a renowned mbira player said they hoped to forge strategic linkages with the international partners through the lady’s visit.
MAP is planning to establish a cultural centre in Masvingo and hopes to mobilise foreign support.
“We are also planning to establish a cultural centre, a replica of the Amakhosi Cultural Centre in Bulawayo and having visitors with an understanding and appreciation of our culture would help us in a big way.”
Online Reporter