JAH PRAYZAH’S BIRA DRAMA SPARKS RAGING DEBATE

Society Reporters

THE inaugural “Bira Rembira” held recently at Gwanzura Stadium in Highfield, Harare, not only met but surpassed expectations and delighted attendees.

However, a minor hiccup threatened to overshadow the festival.

Jah Prayzah’s team caused a brief behind-the-scenes commotion when the singer requested that the national broadcaster’s cameras, which were filming the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture-organised event, be turned off before he took the stage.

This standoff, stemming from Jah Prayzah’s recently introduced policy of charging for videography rights, created a momentary disruption as it caused a brief pause in the performance.

While Jah Prayzah’s stance is understandable from a business perspective, the momentary disruption set tongues wagging, especially considering that it was a national event.

In an interview, the singer’s manager, Keen Mushapaidze, said: “I have no comment regarding the incident. I suggest you refer to the statement issued by the artiste (Jah Prayzah) on his social media platform(s).”

One of the show’s promoters, Partson “Chipaz” Chimbodza, indicated all artistes were duly notified that the event was now backed by Government.

“Initially intended as a collaboration between promoters and artistes, the ‘Bira Rembira’ subsequently gained Government support due to its perceived significance,” he said.

“I am unable to comment on Government’s specific procedures for broadcasting or recording such events. However, I can confirm that the festival was a national event, and all artistes were notified accordingly.”

Notwithstanding this minor setback, the festival ultimately showcased the vibrant energy and talent of the mbira music scene, leaving a lasting impression on revellers.

The star-studded line-up, featuring Nyamasvisva neMaungira eNharira, Andy Muridzo, Kurai Makore, Vee Mhofu, Diana Samkange, Sasha Amadhuve, Gushungo and a student band, among others, delivered captivating performances that left the audience in awe.

Held under the theme “Our pride, our identity bringing humanity in our culture”, the festival showcased a variety of cultural products and delighted the multitudes of attendees.

Marvelous Tigere, a traditionalist and amateur mbira player, expressed his pleasant surprise at the event’s success.

“Initially, I doubted that the festival would be well-attended, considering Zimbabwe’s predominantly Christian population,” Tigere remarked.

“However, I was completely taken aback by the massive turnout.”

Tigere, who is working towards releasing traditional songs, admitted that the festival changed his perspective on traditional music.

“Many people mistakenly associate traditional music with backwardness, poverty and lack of education. I was surprised to see affluent individuals enjoying the various traditional rhythms,” he said.

The culturally extravaganza proved to be immersive and riveting.

Diana “Mangwenya” Samkange seemingly went into a trance during her energetic performance.

The Government organised the festival, in collaboration with the Bira Rembira group. The event successfully celebrated Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage.

Apart from Chipaz, Samkange, together with Benjamin Nyandoro of Jive Zimbabwe, also played a part in making the show a success.

The festival was widely praised as an excellent platform for both cultural celebration and entertainment.

Vee Mhofu, leader of the Dziva Rembira ensemble, expressed his satisfaction with the event’s attendance and the enthusiastic reception he received on stage.

The festival was part of the Mbira Month celebrations, held in September. The event, which began on Friday afternoon and continued into the next day, featured performances by schoolchildren, as well as established artistes.

“This event demonstrated that our traditional instruments, the mbira, ngoma and hosho, are powerful tools that remain underutilised. I firmly believe that Zimbabwe boasts one of the continent’s finest traditional sounds.

“Through this festival, I realised that the Government should now mandate learners, from early childhood development (ECD) to university, to learn how to play traditional instruments,” said Kurai “Mukanya” Mapfumo, the leader of the Black Lions ensemble.

In his social media posts, Jah Prayzah advocated for more events like the “Bira Rembira” to celebrate Zimbabwe’s culture and traditions.

He expressed his gratitude to the Government and its partners for organising such a successful event.

Other artistes who took the stage and delivered impressive performances include Luck Chimhanda, Madzinza eMbira and Mbira dzeMutupo.

Samkange, barefoot and dressed in a floor-length gown, performed some of her popular songs, including “Rukweza”, “Chigwaya” and “Gungwa Ndiyerese”.

Maungira eNharira were also dressed for the occasion, with colourful traditional outfits and animal skins.

The experienced group’s captivating performance won the hearts of many in the audience.

Sasha Amadhuve and Andy Muridzo also delivered well-polished acts that captivated the audience.

Muridzo belted out heartfelt traditional songs, among them “Nhekwe”.

Gushungo, a promising newcomer, also showcased his talent, much to the awe of the appreciating crowd.

In 2020, the mbira instrument was added to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The “Bira Rembira” demonstrated that many Zimbabweans remain deeply connected to their traditional beliefs and customs.

Some attendees openly enjoyed traditional snuff and beer, practices that are often stigmatised.

Dr Biggie Samwanda, the director for arts and culture in the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture said the festival was successful in many ways.

“The huge attendance proves that Zimbabweans are proud of their cultural heritage. This festival was successful as it achieved its intended goals,” he said.

He also hailed the partnership that the Government had with private players.

“This was a public-private partnership and I am happy to say that our relationship with the private players bore the desired fruit.

The bira will be an annual event, with the next edition slated for September 27, 2025.