Online ReporterLINOS “Wengara” Magaya might not turn heads on home turf, but he is big in Brighton, England.
A phenomenal mbira player, spiritualist and traditional healer, the Mhondora-bred musician boasts 20 albums and over 150 videos.
Like many Zimbabweans residing overseas, he is homesick and is coming back this week for a month-long tour of Zimbabwe.
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub Senior Writer, Trust Khosa (TK), had a chat with the revered mbira (LM) player about his breakthrough overseas. Read on…
TK: What strides have you made to achieve an international breakthrough as a mbira, chimurenga and reggae artiste based overseas?
LM: Since relocating to the UK in 1997, I have worked tirelessly to introduce Mbira music and Zimbabwean culture to new audiences. I formed Zimbaremabwe, which has performed across the UK and Europe at major venues and festivals, including WOMAD, Glastonbury Festival, Shambala Festival, and the Barbican Centre.
We have also had the honour of performing alongside The Wailers, the legendary band associated with Bob Marley.
In addition to performing, I have recorded over 20 albums, taught Mbira at institutions like SOAS University of London and Goldsmiths and completed a First Class degree and Master’s degree at BIMM University. All these steps have helped position Zimbabwean music on an international platform.
TK: What challenges are you facing there?
LM: One major challenge is maintaining authenticity while adapting to international markets. Mbira music is deeply spiritual and traditional, so sometimes audiences need education to fully appreciate it. There are also financial challenges for independent world music artistes, including funding tours and productions. However, through resilience, community support, and innovation blending Mbira with reggae and contemporary sounds, we continue to grow.
TK: What can you say about the appeal of Zimbabwean music?
LM: Zimbabwean music is spiritual, rhythmic, and healing. The Mbira carries ancestral memory and deep emotional power. When audiences hear it whether African or European, they connect to it spiritually.
Chimurenga music carries messages of struggle, identity, and liberation, which resonate globally. When fused with reggae and modern styles, it becomes both traditional and universal.
TK: With 20 albums, what does this milestone mean to you?
LM: It means dedication, discipline, and purpose. Each album represents a chapter of growth, spiritual, cultural, and artistic.
Recording over 20 albums in the diaspora shows that Zimbabwean music is alive and evolving. It also reflects my commitment to preserving our heritage while innovating for new generations.
TK: Kindly share the names of the albums and their years of release.
LM: Here is a selection across my three musical projects:
Mbira Vibes (Traditional & Chimurenga)
Ndega Parwendo (1998)
Wengara Irombe (2002)
Hameno (2003)
Fodya Vol 1 (2006)
VaChaminuka Vol 2 (2008)
Bangiza Vol 3 (2015)
Mutamba Wakuva Vol 5 (2016)
Mwariwe (2022)
Jesu Hakuna (2023)
Chaminuka Hona (2024)
Fodya (2025)
Pappa Linos & Nhasi Tafara Crew (Mbira Reggae)
Struggling (2010)
When We Play Tonight (2012)
Calling Yahshua / Love Love Love (2015)
Summer Time (2016)
Ausar, Auset, Heru Vol 5 (2026)
Linos & The Pyramids (Mbira Pop)
Heart & Soul
All Night
Murandakadzi Anenjuzu Vol 3 (2023)
TK: What has changed in your career since relocating overseas?
LM: Relocating expanded my vision. In Zimbabwe, I was rooted in ceremony and community. In the UK, I became not only a performer but also a cultural ambassador and educator.
I learnt music production at a higher academic level, expanded into reggae and pop fusion, and reached international audiences beyond the Zimbabwean community.
TK: When did you leave Zimbabwe, and what can you say about the decision you made?
LM: I left Zimbabwe in 1997. It was not an easy decision, but it was necessary for growth. I wanted to expand my musical horizons and create global platforms for mbira music.
Looking back, it was a brave decision that allowed me to represent Zimbabwe internationally while still maintaining strong spiritual and cultural connections back home.
TK: How many accolades have you received there?
While I may not focus heavily on awards, the greatest accolades have been:
Performing at major international festivals, receiving media recognition including BBC features, teaching at respected universities, recording over 20 albums and being invited to perform alongside global reggae legends.
For me, cultural impact is more important than trophies.
TK: Tell us about your love life.
LM: I am a family-orientated person who values loyalty, respect, and spiritual alignment. My journey has required balance between music, spirituality, and personal life. I believe love should support purpose, growth, and cultural values.
TK: What advice can you give to fellow Zimbabwean musicians who are aiming for an international breakthrough?
Master your craft deeply, know your cultural identity, and be patient and disciplined.
On top of that, embrace education and innovation, build networks and collaborate internationally, and most importantly, remain authentic — your culture is your strength.
TK: What are you missing back home?
I miss the land, the ceremonies, my Zimbabwean people, family, friends, the elders, and the spiritual atmosphere of Harare, Mhondoro and Kadoma. I miss the community gatherings and the natural connection to our ancestors. I miss herbs.
Zimbabwe soil carries a spiritual energy that cannot be replaced.
TK: Please give me your brief profile.
LM: Linos Wengara Magaya is a Zimbabwean-born mbira musician, spiritual healer (Svikiro), educator and band leader based in Brighton, UK. Founder and leader of Zimbaremabwe, he has recorded over 20 albums blending traditional Mbira, Chimurenga, reggae and pop.
A graduate of BIMM University, Linos is dedicated to preserving Zimbabwean cultural heritage while building global bridges through music. He is also a respected Mbira teacher and cultural ambassador performing across the UK and Europe.
