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Boniface Chimedza Arts Correspondent
Whenever she performs, Hope Masike belts out an irresistible contemporary cultural sound that always keeps the audience hooked to the melody that she effortlessly produces from her favourite instrument — the mbira.
Masike has tightened her grip on Zimbabwe’s unique musical instrument over the past decade in a way that is both inspiring and instructive to the local and global audience alike.
In an exclusive interview with The Herald, Masike was optimistic about her upcoming shows, promising her fans to look forward to an enhanced fusion of her Afrocentric music style with a contemporary feel.
“Having been in Europe for some months, this Saturday I am finally giving my fans a special homecoming concert, the very best of African music in my concert called ‘Mbira agic’. Essentially, ‘Mbira Magic’ is me falling in love again with African Art,” said Masike.
Set to be held at Theatre in the Park in Harare Gardens from 7:30pm till late, the show explores the entire African musical landscape with songs from Francophone and Lusophone Africa.
“I like asserting that I am a citizen of the world, and that my creative prowess should not be limited to or by borders. So anyone who loves good music and some dance must come and spend the night with me this Saturday at Theatre in the Park,” said Masike.
Supporting artists set to feature at this show include David Mahacha, who will do the opening performance, as well as Vimbayi Zimuto of the “Hapana Kwaunoenda” fame and Rungano Chaza of Transit Crew will separately join Masike on the stage for a duet song each.
Masike’s band is an energetic youthful entourage comprising herself on mbira and vocals, Elisha Herema on the bass guitar, Blessed Rukweza on the percussion, Malvern Cheremari or Panashe Nhemera on the drums, Abel Mafuleni on second mbira and a session guitarist.
The musician is evidently on an upward path, especially now when preparations are at an advanced stage to release her third album.
“I recently finished my third album. This album is one of the reasons I spent such a long time in Europe this year. I started by recording the album here at home at Mono Mukundu’s Monolio Studio then I went to finish it in Norway with Swedish drummer and producer Erik Nyelander. It’s a very different album from my last two offerings,” Masike said.
“My plans ahead are all about this album. It is the first time I have been produced and the first time my album is signed to a label. I have spent a lot of time in planning, hungry to do things the proper way for this album. It has been a good six years since my last album release, I have learnt an awful lot of stuff which I would love to implement now,” she said.
A woman of many talents, Masike premiered her acting career last year in a local soap called “Muzita raBaba” and in “Ruvimbo’s Wedding”. She also directed “One Woman and Her Mbira”, her first flm, which is a documentary of herself, showcasing the musical journey that she has travelled in the past 10 years in the Zimbabwean music industry.
Masike has been awarded a Nama Award for Best Female Musician of the Year 2014, and for Video of the Year 2015, ZNCC Woman in Enterprise Award 2017, and several nominations of note including a Kora nomination.
Masike has collaborated with renowned musicians who include Salif Keita and she has also been part of Southern African collaborative Mahube and Afro-Nordic outfit Monoswezi.
Online Reporter