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Brenda Phiri Entertainment Reporter
Mbira lovers will be in for a treat this weekend as one of the country’s top mbira ensembles, Mawungira eNharira, present Bira Rechando (ceremony to celebrate in the cold season) at Red Fox on Saturday.
Tipped to be a unique mbira experience, the show marks a month since the group moved to the Greendale “home” after the Book Cafe closed its doors.
Mawungira eNharira leader Wilfred “Nyamasvisva” MaAfrika said the venue had created a good platform for mbira enthusiasts.
“In the past few editions, the crowd has been picking up quite well despite the cold weather. The atmosphere has been euphoric and traditional music fans are enjoying the shows. This weekend is even more explosive as we mark our first month at Red Fox,” said Nyamasvisva.
The group usually opens their act with the “Ninga Hura” instrumental that is significant when commencing important ceremonies in local tradition.
It is also tradition for them to follow it up with “Madzinza”, a song that welcomes various totems to the celebrations.
“Madzinza” falls in line with their latest song “Kwaziwayi Mukanya” that is taken off their upcoming album and is proving to be a hit with fans of the Soko totem.
“It’s true that the song is a favourite with the Mukanyas or those associated with the totem. Inopembedza vana Soko (It glorifies the Soko clan),” said Nyamasvisva.
“Traditional music is a great way to wind up the week and refresh from life’s problems. People need this kind of therapy and we thrive to create that balance when we perform.”
Mawungira eNharira is another success story in the genre and is gathering ground on the local entertainment scene.
More mbira groups are getting weekly slots in clubs with Mbira DzeNharira also enjoying rotation at Gijimja Sports Club in the city centre while upcoming mbira outfit Chiremba Hwesa Masango is also proving to be a hit at Status Bar in Budiriro every Thursday.
Online Reporter