MBIRA music has been part of Zimbabwean culture for many years and has always been used to represent Zimbabwean art on the global arena.
ANDREW MOYO OWN CORRESPONDENT
Over the years, there have been various mbira artistes who have dominated the arts industry, among them the late Chiwoniso Maraire and Mbuya Stella Chiweshe. Today’s generation has, however, been blessed with one such talent in the form of Hope Masike.
The songbird, who has been raising the country’s flag high for the past month and a half in Europe where she toured countries like Germany, France, Austria, Norway and Iceland, arrived back home last week.
Speaking to NewsDay, Masike said it was a great experience performing at various festivals on the European continent.
“The tour was fun, full of brand new experiences and a lot of work too,” Masike said.
“It was great visiting Austria and Iceland for the first time and I have always enjoyed platforms where I get to share wonderful, yet widely unknown knowledge about Zimbabwe.”
During the tour, Masike perfomed at some high profile festivals which included the Glatt and Verkert Festival in Krems, Austria, sharing the stage with the likes of Fatoumata Diawara.
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“I got to perform at prestigious festivals where I got to compare notes and learnt more about the world festival circuit,” she said.
Despite having enjoyed the international limelight, the award-winning songstress said she was happy to be back home.
“Being home after a bit of absence is the best feeling ever,” she said.
“Travelling is one of the things that teaches me to appreciate my roots, my cultural heritage and every virtue of being home.”
Masike said she also missed perfoming for her local fans.
“No matter how much I travel and how I consider myself a global citizen, my first and biggest fan base will always be here at home,” she said.
“My band and I are working tirelessly to bring fans the best and freshest live performances.”
The mbira musician said since she returned, she had been busy imparting her knowledge to the younger generation in schools.
“Besides Hope the performer, I am furthering my desire to play a part in nurturing a better music industry for Africa now and beyond.”
