Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
SEASONED mbira player Tendayi “Samaita” Gahamadze believes indigenous culture celebrations should be treated as a lifestyle — not only celebrated during May, which is dubbed Culture Month.
Gahamadze, who has been using mbira to promote Zimbabwean culture, firmly believes in the authenticity and uniqueness of our way of life.
With Culture Month ongoing — premised on the World Day of Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, which falls on May 21 each year, as proclaimed by UNESCO in 2001 following the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity — Gahamadze says he is confident in Zimbabwe’s uniqueness.
“In my opinion, culture should be celebrated every day and should be a way of life, rather than us waiting for May to start observing it seriously,” Gahamadze told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
“We should have noted this when UNESCO inscribed the Zimbabwean mbira on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognising the sacred, traditional instrument.
“This designation highlights the cultural significance of the mbira and its role in boosting local tourism.
“As one of the people promoting it here in Zimbabwe, I have also noted that we should celebrate our culture using various art forms.
“In our case, I am using music to celebrate it in the best way I can.”
Gahamadze, who did his Advanced Level studies in the United Kingdom and studied Metallurgy in Germany in the early 80s, could not resist his calling despite his rich academic qualifications.
“I have been a professional mbira player since 1986, and we were the first to put mbira on an electrical instrument.
“It’s something that current groups are now copying, and we are happy as the pioneers.
“I have also learnt how to manufacture mbira and how to play around with metallic objects while I was still at university.”
Unlike some of his peers who have abandoned their traditional way of life after relocating overseas, Gahamadze does not regret the move he made.
“I don’t have any regrets at all because I am doing what I love and what I was called to do. I can’t run away from my tradition now, since I am doing what I love the most. Mbira music is my calling, and we have touched the hearts of millions.”
Buoyed by a rich catalogue of songs such as “Ndoenda Kwambuya”, “Muchati Kudiiko”, “Toputika Neshungu”, “Magamba”, among others, Gahamadze revealed that he is living his dream.
“I am comfortable with the life I lead, and promoting our culture is one of the things I cherish the most.
“I will continue doing it every day and not wait for Culture Month. It’s people who claim to be Christians during Easter or Christmas, when, in actual fact, they should observe those events every day.”
He also welcomed the Government’s introduction of heritage-based curricula.
“It’s a move that has worked for us, and it is quite pleasing to see youngsters following their culture from grassroots level.
“Demand for our culture is high, but the sad reality is that most people don’t know what it is, which is why we are lagging behind.
“We need to celebrate it every day and see how best we can go,” he added.
Gahamadze’s call comes at a time when the Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Lieutenant General (Retired) Anselem Sanyatwe, has been urging Zimbabweans to celebrate Culture Month.
He urged them to wear the national fabric with pride and preserve indigenous African languages, including sign language, in education, governance, commerce and everyday communication.
In line with this year’s theme, “Cultural Diversity: Advancing Vision 2030,” the Minister urged Zimbabweans to remain united and celebrate their uniqueness.
“Zimbabwe is home to diverse languages, traditions, artistic expressions and heritage practices that define who we are as a people.
“Culture Month provides an opportunity for citizens across all provinces to celebrate this diversity while promoting unity, social cohesion and national pride.
“Minister Sanyatwe firmly believes that the preservation of cultural heritage is critical for future generations to understand their history at a time when Westernisation has diluted many cultures,” he recently told journalists in Harare.
After the Culture Month main launch, provincial commemorations across the country will be presided over by Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution.
All provinces will be showcasing their unique cultures.
Peter Tanyanyiwa