malvernmugadzikwa
Online Reporter
THE Duramazwi Mbira ensemble, which has represented Zimbabwe well at international music and cultural festivals in the past, is leaving no stone unturned as it seeks to win the hearts of local traditional music lovers.
The Mbare-based group, which is fronted by traditional healer, Sarudzai Jaravaza, is set to perform at the Farm to Market and Arts Festival 2024.
The festival, which is the brainchild of the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, will be held at Old Hararians Sports Club on May 18 and 19.
Apart from live musical performances, traditional foods there will also be displays.
Among the musicians billed to perform are Feli Nandi, Selmor Mtukudzi, Freeman, Killer T and Diana Samkange.
Jaravaza thanked the organisers of the festival for roping in traditional dance groups.
“Apart from Duramazwi, other traditional music groups such as Guruve Mbira and Hwamanda Dance Ensemble will also perform at the festival,” Jaravaza said.
“This means traditional music is now getting the recognition and respect that it deserves.”
The 13-member ensemble fuses mbira with traditional drums, gourds (hosho) and intricate dance moves.
Some of the ensemble’s best-known songs are “Chinyakare”, “Toisa Maoko” and “Musarasara”.
Online Reporter