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-like gait spiced with ropy dreadlocks flying off the scalp, is probably the best way to describe legendary Mbira music icon, Mbuya Stella Chiweshe, when on stage.
Mbuya Chihera, as she is affectionately known by her legion of fans the world over, is back from her base in Germany and taking a nap at her farm in Chegutu.
Secretive – like the spirits claimed to possess her – Mbuya Chihera sneaked into the country unnoticed by the media and will be around until June. She arrived early this month to harvest rapoko for use in a family premonition ceremony (Bira), where the African thump piano (mbira) takes centre stage in appealing to and appeasing the spirit mediums.
The date of the traditional binge is yet to be announced, although the venue will be at a village in Mhondoro communal lands.
Modestly dressed in a purple African attire, black tennis shoes, waist-length dreadlocks, the 65-year-old internationally acclaimed mbira player, was only noticed by these writers at a funeral in Mhondoro.
“I read The Herald everyday. I don’t miss a copy of that newspaper. I am busy harvesting rapoko and preparing for the family bira.
“For now I don’t want to talk much, those interested in my latest music can go on YouTube and there are two songs entitled ‘The Speech’ and ‘Nhengure Shiri’,” she said.
Asked about what inspires her in her music she quickly pointed out: “When I sang ‘Chave Chimurenga’, the spirits had visited me in my dream and told me about an impending war.
“They gave me a gourd, which I still keep to save the nation. Mukombe uyu unobatsira nyika kana nguva yacho yakwana. Ndakazvipihwa kuhope.”
Asked if she is a spirit medium, she retorted: “I cannot answer that question.”
The mbira player and songstress, who has carved the way for aspiring musicians particularly female mbira players is best known for her track “Chave Chimurenga”, which made waves both locally and internationally.
She has performed for thousands of fans in countless shows in Europe and has received a number of prestigious awards.
Her album “Kumusha” won her a 1993 Billboard Music Award for perfomance on the Adult/Alternative/World Music Album of the Year. Apart from all this critical acclaim, she is merited with combining mbira with marimba traditional instruments and taking it to the international stage.
She is an innovator who has become one of the most original and exciting artistes on the contemporary music scene in Zimbabwe.
Online Reporter