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Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
DANGAMVURA-born-and-bred mbira, marimba superstar and musician, Lino Piloto is flying high after being selected to represent the province and country at the ZimFest 2025 in Washington DC.
Piloto is currently leading the marimba, mbira, and hosho workshops at the Central Washington University, Ellensburg, where the ZimFest event started yesterday and ending Sunday.
The culturally rich and life-changing festival has seen Piloto showcasing his artistic dexterity on traditional instruments — a field he has mastered in a career spanning over three decades.
He travelled to the United States as an acclaimed performer, leaving behind his traditional music group, Ntswai Ntswai, which is based in Dangamvura, Mutare. Founded by Piloto in 2000, Ntswai Ntswai has grown into one of Zimbabwe’s most revered traditional arts organisations, having participated at numerous local and international events.
Speaking from Washington DC, Piloto shared his thoughts and emotions on representing Zimbabwe at such a prestigious event.
“This experience is deeply humbling. To carry my culture, my sound, and the spirit of Dangamvura across the oceans is more than a personal milestone — it is a mission. For over 30 years, I have dedicated my life to this craft, and being at ZimFest shows that traditional music still has a powerful voice globally.
I am proud to represent, not just Zimbabwe, but the roots, the rhythms, and the spirit of African heritage.
“ZimFest is an amazing platform. Here, I am meeting artistes, students, and educators, who are genuinely hungry to learn about our instruments, our songs, and our stories. I have seen people cry while listening to mbira. That tells you how powerful our music is — it speaks without
He added: “My dream has always been to build bridges with sound. I began with a group of passionate youths in Dangamvura, and now Ntswai Ntswai has become an arts organisation recognised across Africa and beyond. This is not just a performance. It is a message — traditional music is alive, thriving, and evolving.
“I also want to encourage the younger generation — learn your roots. Do not be ashamed of your culture. We are living proof that our sound matters in the global arena. We are telling our story, note by note, beat by beat.”
Who is Lino Piloto?
He is a revered artiste who specialises in mbira and marimba music. He began playing in 2000 and went on to form Ntswai Ntswai, now a nationally and internationally recognised arts organisation.
From 2002 to 2007, he lectured music and arts at Africa University, while also teaching at Mutare School of Music, and offering marimba and dance instruction to deaf students at Nzeve. Through the years, he has nurtured Ntswai Ntswai from a grassroots crew into a professional organisation that manufactures traditional instruments like marimba, mbira, ngoma, and hosho.
Piloto has also taught at various institutions, including Marymount Teachers’ College, Mutare Teachers’ College, Mutare Polytechnic, St Dominic’s High School, and many more.
His work has taken him to Mozambique, South Africa, and Germany, conducting workshops and spreading Zimbabwean music across continents.
With a global reach and local roots, Lino Piloto is truly a cultural ambassador of Zimbabwe’s traditional music.
Online Reporter