AFRO-FUSION musician Darlington Mbirimi, also known as Hombarume in the music circles, believes Zimbabwe’s music should reflect its unique identity to the outside world rather than copying foreign genres.
This belief has prompted the artiste to incorporate mbira and marimba sounds in his compositions.
In an interview with NewsDay Life & Style, Hombarume said mbira and marimba are instruments that artistes can incorporate into their music for the world to “appreciate our original sound”.
However, the artiste said that times have changed to only use raw mbira and marimba adding that musicians also need to blend these instruments with modern musical instruments.
“Times have changed to use raw mbira in music but for this generation to accept your music, an artiste needs to blend with modern instruments for their sound to resonate with many, but not losing authenticity in the process,” Hombarume said.
He noted that religion and beliefs have been a major challenge as most people associate traditional instruments with evil spirits and black magic which has made it difficult to spread music to people harbouring such thoughts. He, however, encouraged people to get used to these instruments and use them in churches to preserve their heritage.
Hombarume who is inspired by the late Paul Matavire showed his appreciation of the latter’s music by doing a cover version of his song titled Handirambe.
He added that Matavire's music spoke to real life situations as in the song Handirambe, he sang about a mother who was on her death bed, praying to the Lord that if it was possible to delay her death so that she could be able to take care of her baby.
Hombarume designs his costumes with an African touch with an objective to give people an African uniqueness difference in this world.
His discography includes Ndiyambutse, Simba Rematare, Handirambe and Ndinotya Rima, among others.