adminBrenda Phiri Entertainment Reporter
Contemporary marimba group Tambarimba that recently returned from the prestigious International Marimba Festival held early this month in Johannesburg South Africa has urged the corporate world to learn from other countries and invest in the arts. The ensemble participated in the annual event together with over 80 other bands from across Africa.
“It was our second time attending this event and we learnt a lot from this outing,” said band manager Don “Chidaz” Chidavaenzi.
Tambarimba performed in three categories with Victor Chimusoro on baritone marimba, Martin Nyirenda on soprano, Denzel Moses on tenor, Nigel Simbanegavi on bass and Vincent Chanza on the drums.
“Although there were more experienced and well sponsored groups than us we really did our best and came out as one of the top groups.
“The trip was an eye-opener for us as we realised how seriously some countries take marimba music and how a lot of corporate companies are willing to support the arts industry,” said Chidaz.
He said the realisation of the importance of support from grassroots level had prompted them to do their part in the growth of the genre.
“As Tambarimba, we are now on a mission to impart what we learnt at the festival to the benefit of our country by establishing a Tambarimba Junior Academy.
“This academy will identify, develop and showcase young talented marimba players so that they will become professional artists,” he said.
He said the Tambarimba Juniors will be taking part in The International Marimba Festival 2015.
Also as a way of maximising the advantages of the trip and imparting what they learnt at the International Marimba Festival, they will be hosting the inaugural marimba festival in association with the Zimbabwe College of Music.
The theme of the festival is “Bringing Marimba To The Light- Marimba Creating an Anti-Drug Abuse, HIV Free Child in a Clean Environment”. The festival is for primary and secondary schools and it will be held on September 27 at the Zimbabwe College of Music Hall from 8am to 5pm.
“The response from participants has been excellent and we are confident that the event will be well organised as preparations are at advanced stages,” he said
He said while a number of corporate companies who have shown willingness to partner the vision they were are appealing to more companies to come aboard.
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