malvernmugadzikwa
Sunday Mail Reporter
THE iconic mbira instrument took centre stage at the inaugural “Bira Rembira” festival held at Gwanzura Stadium on Friday.
A star-studded line-up, featuring Andy Muridzo, Kurai Makore, Vee Mhofu, Jah Prayzah, Diana Samkange, Sasha Amadhuve, Gushungo and student bands, entertained multitudes of revellers who attended the event.
Running under the theme “Our pride, our identity bringing humanity in our culture”, the festival showcased various cultural products.
The culturally immersive performances even put some spirit mediums into a trance.
Organised by the Ministry of Sport, Arts, Recreation and Culture in collaboration with the Bira ReMbira group, the event celebrated Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage.
“This is a perfect platform for us to celebrate our culture while at the same time entertaining people. I am impressed by the turnout and reception we got on stage. We would like to thank the Government for this important initiative. We hope the festival is here to stay,” said Vee Mhofu, leader of the Dziva Rembira ensemble.
Andy Muridzo, who delivered a scintillating performance, was equally upbeat.
“We are moving in the right direction. We need to celebrate and promote the mbira instrument as much as we can. The instrument is our national pride. Such events are crucial in promoting the mbira instrument and our culture in general,” said Muridzo.
For Diana “Mangwenya” Samkange, the bira fulfilled two long-cherished dreams.
“I had dreams of one day performing before an audience that truly understands and appreciates mbira music. I also dreamt of one day promoting a mbira musical show. As a show promoter and mbira musician, these two dreams came true on Friday,” Samkange said.
Samkange, together with Benjamin Nyandoro of Jive Zimbabwe and Chipaz Promotions’ Partson Chimboza, jointly organised the show.
Speaking on the sidelines of the oversubscribed event, Samkange rated her performance as one of her best so far.
“This was one of my best performances. The fact that I was performing for diehard mbira music followers motivated me to give my all. This was one of my top performances,” the mbira queen said.
The bira, which was held as part of the Mbira Month celebrations, will be held annually.
September has been set aside as Mbira Month.
In 2025, the festival will be held on September 27.
Online Reporter