Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
PERCUSSIONIST and poet James “Sebede” Njikizana says he is passionate about preserving and promoting Zimbabwean culture while also embracing modernity.
Sebede is also working on setting up an arts centre in Kadenge, Murehwa, to pass on his skills and experience to youngsters and help combat issues like drug abuse.
Sebede believes that his style of blending traditional and modern sounds has been his signature since he won a National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) in 2005 at the height of the urban grooves era. He won the NAMA award with the song “Chipohwiro.”
Sebede, who is set to perform at the inaugural edition of ‘Tribal Fusion Nights’ on June 28 at Sherwood Golf Club, said the aim is to groom youngsters as a cultural ambassador.
In an interview with Zimpapers Entertainment Hub, Sebede said his fans can expect a high energy performance that showcases his fusion of traditional Zimbabwean rhythms with spoken word, “Izwa music”.Sebede said ‘Tribal Fusion Nights’ will bring together artists and audiences who share a passion for Zimbabwean music and culture, creating a sense of community and shared purpose.
Sebede and Another Trybe Band will share the stage with Fusion 5 Mangwiro, Trubantu Tribe, Evans Mapfumo and the Kiat Africa Band with host and MC, DJ Milton Dee-Knife Nyabanga, and Miracle Mlambo at the Tribal Fusion Night Volume One. “With my music now available on all online platforms, I’m excited to share my Zimbabwean cultural heritage with a wider audience, especially my fans out of Zimbabwe who have been requesting it. There’s going to be a segment I dubbed ‘Percussive Resonance’ where I will be playing various percussion instruments. I used to do this in Cape Town, South Africa, where I would play along with the DJ selecting current trending amapiano songs.
“Fans should look out for this. I’ve been continuously working on providing good music and rehearsing for great performances. I’m looking forward to connecting with the audience, which had been missing for a great while.
“About six years ago, I participated in the National Heritage Trust project called ‘Nhaka Yedu’, which was aimed at promoting and preserving our heritage. This featured various artists, including Deputy Minister Dingumuzi Phuti, Baba Manyeruke, the late Bob Nyabinde and many more.
“I engaged the chief of the area about the arts centre in Kadenge, Murehwa, and he promised to offer support by providing land whenever I am ready,” he said.
