Chirikure to honour Chiwoniso

Yeukai Karengezeka Entertainment Reporter
Veteran writer, poet and storyteller Chirikure Chirikure said he wants to honour the late mbira maestro, Chiwoniso Maraire, by releasing an album they recorded together four years ago. Chirikure was based in Germany for the past three years after being selected to be part of the prestigious BAAD Artist in Berlin Fellowship Programme that saw him touring Europe staging performances and lectures.

The two were working together on an album from 2008 to 2009 but failed to complete it because of other commitments until she passed away in August 2013.

“It’s so pathetic that we failed to complete our eight-track album that we were working on due to hectic schedules we had but I am ready to finish it as a way of honouring her commitment in the music industry,” he said.

The 42-year-old internationally acclaimed poet said they were good friends and he is engaging her family for approval to round up the album.

“Chiwoniso was an amazing person and we used to share the stage together on several occasions including some international tours. She was very supportive although she died while l was in Germany.

“I am going back to the studio when everything has been finalised to do the mixing because we had already done the recording, but I also need to go through the right legal channels including her family’s approval.”

Apart from music Chirikure hopes to publish another book of his poetry work once he gets a publisher.

“I am planning to publish another poetry book this year but am only waiting to get a publisher. I have never stopped writing and l will continue to do more staff,” he said.

Chirikure has composed songs for quite a number of artistes locally and internationally like the likes of Chiwoniso, Oliver Mtukudzi, the late Dumi Ngulube and an Australian opera group.

One of Chirikure’s achievements was the decision made by Austria to display one of his Shona poems “Kuenda, Kudzoka” in their departure lounge since June 2012.

His poetry has been translated into a number of languages. He has also written and translated a number of children’s stories and educational books.