Internationally acclaimed drummer Blessing Chimanga, will on September 2, lead the fifth edition of Let the Drum Speak concert that will also see a number of upcoming drummers taking part at the Zimbabwe-German Society in Harare.
BY JAIROS SAUNYAMA
Founder of the concert, Chimanga, confirmed the event in a statement released recently, adding that school children would be afforded an opportunity to showcase their talent at this year’s edition of the drum fiesta.
“These concerts have contributed so much to drums being an instrument that can actually do more than just be behind every given stage setup. As much as the drum is a rhythmic and grooving instrument, the concert has brought a new dimension of drums (in) that they can also lead a song, give a melody and give a mouth-tasting solo,” he said.
Other renowned young drummers expected to grace the event are Blessing Muparutsa, Josiah “Joe” Musuwo and Nkosana Hamandishe. The concert will also serve as a farewell gig to Chimanga who is soon to embark on a tour in Asia.
Founded in 2010, the concert’s main objective is to present a unique show of drums and to give drummers — traditional back ground players — a chance to be heard and appreciated on the main stage.
Some of the acts who have graced previous concerts include Italian drummer Max Covini and the award-winning Watershed Marimba Band.
Chimanga joined the music profession in 2006 when he started to play for the late Sam Mtukudzi and later with other musicians who include Josh Meck, Bob Nyabinde, Hope Masike, Dudu Manhenga, Chiwoniso Maraire, Tariro Negitare, Eric Wainaina (Kenya) Ray Phiri (South Africa), The Kokos (Norway) and Ary Morais.
