THE resonant melodies of the mbira echoed far beyond performance and celebration at the recently held Baradzanwa Mbira Festival, where some of Zimbabwe's most influential musicians, teachers and cultural custodians were honoured for their role in preserving and advancing one of the nation's most treasured artistic traditions.
Held at Baradzanwa Cultural Village, the festival recognised renowned figures including Jah Prayzah, Charles Mavhunga, Albert Chimedza, Vee Mhofu (Wirimai Edmore Nhedenga), Wilfred Nyamasvisva, Florence Nyamazana, Alois Mutinhiri, Linos Magaya, Musekiwa Chingodza, Samuel Mujuru and Tendayi Gahamadze for their outstanding contributions to the growth and development of mbira music.
The event also paid tribute to departed mbira legends Ephat Mujuru, Stella Chiweshe, Sekuru Gora, Sekuru Gweshe and Dumisani Maraire, whose enduring legacies continue to shape Zimbabwe's cultural landscape.
Cultural activist Milcah Maigurira of Dzimbabwe Institute of Heritage and Culture said the initiative complemented ongoing efforts to encourage the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe to create a dedicated mbira category at the National Arts Merit Awards.
Award recipient Florence “Lioness Shumbakadzi” Nyamazana, one of the country's most prominent female mbira performers and cultural advocates, welcomed the recognition.
“To be honest, I am very excited and looking forward to an exciting future for the mbira music industry,” she said.
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Although unable to attend the festival, Mbira Institute director Albert Chimedza said the honour reflected the collective efforts of many people who supported the institution over the years.
“This recognition is not mine alone but belongs to everyone who has contributed to building The Mbira Institute and advancing its mission,” he said.
Chimedza revealed that one of his current projects involves exploring new mbira music alongside young musicians Michael Maphosa and Kuda Mutsauri.
While clarifying that his organisation was not involved in organising the Baradzanwa festival, he welcomed the emergence of new players in the mbira sector, saying it demonstrated growing and diversified interest in the instrument.
He added that the institute continued to host mbira festivals online, a format adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic that remained cost-effective and logistically practical.
Canada-based mbira players Tafadzwa and Amy Matamba described the festival as a deeply meaningful cultural experience that reconnected participants with their roots.
They said the event brought together traditional leaders, musicians, dancers, cultural practitioners, government officials, diplomats and music enthusiasts in a vibrant celebration of Zimbabwe's heritage through music, dance, storytelling and song.
The duo praised organisers for honouring both living and departed mbira masters whose contributions helped to preserve and promote the art form locally and internationally. They also highlighted the launch of Mbira Virtuosos, a book written by researcher Charles Mavhunga, as one of the festival's standout moments.
Reflecting on the closing ceremony, the Matambas said the symbolic procession to the village and performances of traditional songs reinforced the spiritual and historical significance of the site, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation of Zimbabwe's cultural legacy.
Guest of honour First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa described mbira as a symbol deeply rooted in Zimbabwe's identity, spirituality and history.
She highlighted its potential to strengthen cultural tourism while encouraging communities and traditional leaders to pass on mbira skills and cultural values to younger generations. Mnangagwa also proposed that the festival be institutionalised as an annual national event representing all provinces.
More than a musical instrument, mbira remains one of Zimbabwe's most enduring cultural symbols. For generations, it has served as a bridge between the living and ancestral worlds, carrying stories, values and traditions across time.
Recognised internationally as an important element of Zimbabwe's intangible cultural heritage, mbira continues to unite communities while inspiring new generations of musicians, researchers and cultural custodians committed to preserving the nation's identity.