TINOMUTENDA Chihora’s music aptitude has galvanized Gweru’s Cecil John Rhodes Primary School music programme. Chihora a music-trained teacher whose passion for music education is rooted in the belief that all children should get to know music has transformed the school music into a music powerhouse.
By Moses Mugugunyeki
“Our school is aimed at developing the child both academically and through co-curricular activities,” said Chihora.
“Recently the school participated at the National Institute of Allied Arts (NIAA) in Harare where they recorded good results. Our pupils Mitchel Mudzviti (marimba solo) and Nqaba Chilufya (mbira solo) did well so were the CJR Beginners Marimba ensemble and CJR Marimba Intermediate who got First Class Plus. Freedom Moyo got recognition in Piano Grade 1”.
CJR’s choir and marimba band also took part at Gateway High School in Harare where they displayed a splendid performance in the African gospel category.
“My dream is to fly with these kids to heaven and praise the Lord, then return with the good news,” Chihora posted on his Facebook post shortly after the trip to Harare.
Chihora who is a gospel music singer recently produced a sizzling gospel album entitled The Holy WiFi. “I worked with renowned music producer Clive Mono Mukundu on my new album which is being marketed by Metro Studios. This is my third album,” the Mberengwa-born musician said.
Chihora trained as a teacher at Nyadire Teachers College in Mutoko before he obtained a Diploma in Music from the Midlands Academy of Music. Currently he is studying towards a Music and Musicology degree at the Midlands State University. He has carved a niche for himself in the music industry in the country, earning him prominence in music adjudication. He has worked with various churches and organisations that deal with music which include Methodist, Anglican, Reformed Church in Zimbabwe, AFM, ZAOGA, NAPH, NASH, Music Cross Roads Zim, NACZ (Road to Fame) and Zimbabwe Traditional Dancers Association.
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Chihora can play and teach marimba, mbira, piano, recorder and choir. He also teaches music theory at primary level.
“Music is important to everyone’s lives and it is so important for children. It teaches feelings and emotions as well as how to be human. To children music is a vehicle to express themselves, like language, he said.
