Marimba festival on cards

Brenda Phiri Entertainment Reporter
Contemporary local mbira band, Tambarimba has joined forces with the Zimbabwe College of Music in hosting a first ever marimba festival for primary and secondary schools slated for September 27 this year.In an initiative that is aimed at reviving interest in marimba music from grassroots level, the two parties will work together in an attempt to take traditional music to another level through the festival. “The drive behind this project is to reaffirm the presence of marimba music on the local music scene,which is dominated by foreign genres. Through the festival we hope to identify and nurture talent from a generation that will succeed the legacy of marimba music,” said Tambarimba manager Don “Chidaz” Chidavaenzi.

The inaugural festival will have an all inclusive theme; “Bringing Marimba to the Light: Creating an Anti-Drug Abuse, HIV free Child in a Clean Environment”
Chidaz added that whilst the festival plans were still beginning, corporate support would go a long way in promoting its eminent growth.

“This festival has the potential of growing into an influential one, as is the case in other countries that appreciate their local music. We want the youths to take the trade seriously as we will educate them on how they can earn a living from the art,” he said.

He added that the fact marimba music was not being fully exploited was an opportunity to explore new markets.

Chidaz said that the coming in of other marimba outfits would be healthy for the growth of the industry.

Tambarimba is a youthful marimba band that comprises of Nigel Simbanegavi a bass marimba player, Denzel Moses on tenor, Martin “Coach” Nyirenda on soprano, Vincent Chanza a drummer and newly recruited Richard Nyamakawo.

Formed in 2011, they have become a common feature at corporate functions, weddings, charity and fundraising events.

They have also made impressive appearances at prestigious platforms like the Harare International Festival of Arts and most recently the South Africa International Marimba Festival where they came up second out of 60 international bands.

The band’s manager credits the success to hard work and commitment, a trait he was hoping to pass on to aspiring marimba bands.

“It has not been an easy road to get to where we are but because of determination we are excelling. Most corporates are not keen on investing in the field and because of that brilliant talent is going to waste. I urge other upcoming groups to be equally versatile and hard working to survive in the trade. People will eventually believe in your vision,” he said.