Mbira lovers in Harare must brace themselves for a “Mbira Explosion”, at a mbira concert pencilled for Sports Diner on Friday.
The event, organised by Dare remaGwenyambira, is billed to provide a platform for various local mbira outfits to showcase their talent.
Dare remaGwenyambira is an association of various mbira groups, fans, players and manufacturers of the mbira instrument.
“This is in our pursuit to revive and promote mbira music which is facing extinction at the hands of foreign music, a serious threat to our Shona culture,” said Donald Nyamayaro, spokesperson for Dare remaGwenyambira.
Mbira Dzenharira, currently riding high with their latest album and DVD titled Dziva reNjuzu, will perform at the event together with Hwevambira who will also showcase new songs including Nguva, Guyakuya, Zvatumwa, Global Warming and many more.
Other groups expected to perform include Nharedze Chirorodziva, The Great Mbira Sounds of the popular drama Tiriparwendo, Dziva reMbira, Kuyera KwevaHera, Mazwi Maunganidze and Mashayamombe, comprising of elderly dancers and singers from Chiweshe.
“Contrary to the myth that mbira is only associated with traditional worshipping, like any other music it has also been played for leisure and at various family functions including wedding ceremonies, birthdays and parties,” said Nyamayaro.
He said mbira music was largely associated with the Shona people and thus was an important aspect of the Shona culture.
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Nyamayaro said the show would be an opportunity for fans to sample the various types and playing styles of mbira music and as an organisation they would continue uplifting the genre.
“The association has so far successfully hosted a few events and I’m happy that this is the beginning of greater things to come in mbira music as we uplift and take the music to higher levels locally and internationally,” he said.
