Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
LOCAL mbira players have called for the decentralisation of the Bira ReMbira Festival.
They believe taking the festival to other parts of the country would broaden its reach and increase its appeal among the masses.
Inaugurated in 2024, the annual festival, which marks the climax of Mbira Month, celebrated every September, has largely been viewed as a Harare affair — a situation organisers have pledged to address.
The inaugural edition was held at Gwanzura Stadium in Highfield in 2024, while the second edition took place at Heritage Village along Solomon Mujuru Road in Harare.
This year’s edition will be held at Glamis Stadium today, culminating in a pungwe.
Although the festival is serving its purpose of preserving mbira as both an instrument and an integral part of Zimbabwean culture, decentralising the event would undoubtedly broaden its appeal. After all, mbira was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2020.
The inscription was a major triumph for the various stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to preserve and promote the instrument and its associated traditions.
The call for decentralisation was made during a recent media briefing on the 2026 Bira ReMbira, where stakeholders deliberated on the future of the festival.
“We are definitely going to consider that point (decentralisation), but right now we don’t have enough resources,” responded Partson “Chipaz” Chimbodza, one of the Bira ReMbira coordinators.
Chimbodza is working alongside Diana “Mangwenya” Samkange and Benjamin Nyandoro.
He also revealed that it was their wish to groom young talent across the country, although limited resources remained a major challenge.
“All the points that you have raised are valid and we are going to take them into consideration.
“This is why we have decided to hold this event, where we want to address such issues,” he added.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Mangwenya, who backed the idea of decentralising Bira ReMbira.
“It’s still a process and a long journey that we are travelling together, and it is my wish that everything will fall into place.
“We are in this together and we want to see a united mbira sector where your views are taken seriously.
“There is also room for us to improve, and that is why we take your viewpoints seriously,” she said.
She also challenged more female mbira players to take their place in the genre.
“To all female mbira players, it is never too late to stand up and showcase our talents.
“I was lucky to be one of the few female artists to get this kind of exposure, but I felt I should also think about others.
“I asked myself whether it was supposed to be about me alone, since there are many others who are doing mbira.
“I will be more than happy if we cover many areas in Zimbabwe because this nation is big,” she added.
The late Mbuya Stella Chiweshe, who died three years ago aged 76, will be honoured at the event.
Her daughter, Virginia Hetze, née Mkwesha, will also grace the event as a performer and special guest.
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.
Mathew Masinge