Andrew
Online Reporter
WHO exactly wrote and sang the hit mbira song “Zviri Nane Ndiende Kure?”
This is the question that mbira enthusiasts have been asking, after 10 mbira groups recently claimed ownership of the track.
Better-known by traditional music lovers as “Moyo Yavo Yakaoma,” the song, which was recorded ‘informally’, is now a favourite of many traditional music lovers.
A classical mbira song, which is accompanied by captivating traditional drumbeats, the song is about a person who decides to leave home after a misunderstanding with family.
Following the ownership claims, which ignited a raging dispute, an arts promotions company has devised a way in which it believes can settle the dispute “once and for all”.
Dzimbanhete Arts and Culture Interactions is inviting all the groups that are claiming ownership of the song to come and perform the song live, as a way of settling the dispute.
The audience, according to Dzimbanhete, will be the judges.
“A lot of Zimbabweans both at home and abroad have enjoyed and danced to this irresistible mbira and drum song played on the ‘Buka Tiende’ variant. However, those that sang this song remain unknown with several mbira groups claiming ownership.
“To settle this dispute, we are setting up a platform that will set the record straight. We are inviting all those who say the recording is theirs to come forward and prove on stage that it’s truly them who played this tune,” said Chikonzero Chazunguza, the Dzimbanhete founder and creative director.
The live performances are scheduled to take place at the Dzimbanhete Culture Centre near Norton next month.
According to Chazunguza, five mbira groups have so far confirmed their participation at the unusual event.
Joyce Warikandwa, one of the mbira musicians who is claiming ownership of the song, threw her hat into the ring.
“This is my song. I was teaching my students the mbira and drums, when I decided to record the session. Someone posted it online and I was never paid a dime for my efforts.
“The live performance will end this dispute and I will then come forward and claim what is rightfully mine,” Warikandwa, who teaches mbira at Ubuntu Cultural Village in Gutu, said.
Online Reporter