adminEdwin Nhukarume
CHINA-based mbira artiste, Brity Yonly, says she has learnt from the Chinese how culture can be influential in art.
The award-winning musician, who has spent the last three years in Xiamen, said her experience in China has broadened her knowledge in arts and identity.
“I have learnt a lot from the Chinese art industry,” she said.
“I have learnt about persistence, professionalism and identity.
“Chinese value their identity more than anything. They portray their art in the Chinese way.
“Henceforth, I am going to present my art the Zimbabwean way, because if we are not proud of our identity, nobody will be proud of us.”
Brity Yonly said the Zimbabwe-China relations, in terms of art and cultural exchange, have been great since she has been embraced by the Chinese.
“The Chinese are treating me well because they appreciate and love our African mbira music.
“The relations between Zimbabwe and China, in terms of art and cultural exchange, are so excellent.
“Artists are getting a chance to enhance their art, as well as learning new things, through these exchange programmes,” said Brity Yonly.
She said music could be an essential industry that can help China and Zimbabwe to benefit economically.
“People this side love mbira music. There is a good market here.
“Zimbabwean musicians can even tap into this market and they could benefit from it.
“If it’s done well, with the support of the government, music sales to China might add a small percentage to the GDP of the country and, in turn, the Chinese can benefit too.
“But, for that to happen there has to be some mechanism.”
Brity Yonly is set to hold a tour in South Africa, from November to December.
She will also come home to perform during the Unity Day.
Her song, Vachabaiwa, won an award at ZIMAs.
She has singles such as ‘Tinzwe Kuchema’, ‘Kungwavha’ and Depression.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter