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Peter Tanyanyiwa Entertainment Reporter
A new seven-track album titled “Doomsday” dedicated to the late mbira player Taku Mafika who passed on in 2011 is out. Recorded by Carlos Mafika (25) and Tatenda Mafika (28) the tribute album also features the likes of Dizzy Don, poet Shoe Labada and Astro Vee, an R&B artiste.
Carlos said they had an obligation to honour the late great musician.
“The late Taku Mafika practically groomed us and introduced us to the music industry so when he passed away we saw it fit to honour him.
“Before Taku passed away we did a track with him called ‘Heart’,” he said.
The late Mafika was among the new breed of mbira players and was innovative. Drawing inspiration from his deeply rich cultural upbringing, he fused contemporary sounds with Zimbabwean traditional vibes such as mhande, jit, dinhe, mbende and katekwe to create a unique sound of ethno-contemporary jazz music. He was also a music teacher in his own right.
Since 2009 Taku had worked as a UNESCO schools co-ordinator within the framework of education for sustainable development.
At the time of his death, Mafika was actively involved in putting together a high schools musical concert at St Peters Kubatana to feature schools mostly from the high-density and rural areas where the instrument is popular.
Online Reporter