The Mbira sound has always been the core of Zimbabwe’s music and sonic identity.
Even in the face of emergent genres, the unique and globally-renowned traditional sound has remained resilient, even adding new faces to the arts ecosystem.
Takaona Bvure, affectionately known as Njenjaz, has become the latest addition to an elite list of outstanding Mbira artistes that have taken the instrument’s echos outside the country’s borders.
The rising musician’s grand performance during the New Art Exchange in Nottingham, United Kingdom (UK), last weekend, not only announced his arrival on the global scene but confirmed his presence among revered names, including Mbuya Stella Chiweshe, Taku Mafika, Chioniso Maraire, Hope Masike and several other Mbira Ensembles including Mawungira eNharira.
Titled Sekuru Nevazukuru, a muso and his proteges, his performance was in collaboration with multitalented Zimbabwean born musician and thespian, Munashe Chirisa, performing artist Dalia Majongwe and veteran musician Gabriel “Sekuru” Makamanzi.
The event was curated by locally rooted, creative hub Made In Zwe and supported by Arts Council England.
But, despite starting to get recognition beyond the country’s borders, Njenjaz remains grounded and connected to his roots.
Born in May, 1991, in Marondera and raised in Beatrice, he hails from the celebrated Bvure family of Gwenyambiras, long regarded the custodians of traditional mbira music.
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His late father, Martin, introduced him to the instrument, teaching both skill and reverence, while his mother, Rutendo Bikishoni, nurtured his dedication.
“My father always told me that when I play mbira, I am speaking to the ancestors. That message still guides me today,” said Bvure.
Bvure’s early career saw him perform at ceremonies and community gatherings in Zimbabwe, before contributing to the 2010 album Mbira Dzechinyakare.
His move to South Africa expanded his horizons, producing albums like Mukomberanwa (2020) and Matsimba (2020), which highlighted his ability to balance mbira’s spiritual depth with contemporary performance.
Since relocating to the UK in 2023, his profile has risen quickly.
There, senior diaspora musicians, including Gabriel Makamanzi, Linos Wengara Magaya, and Zee Guveya, recognised his talent and cultural insight, inviting him to collaborate on high-profile projects.
Earlier this year, he was part of legendary musician Thomas Mapfumo’s band that performed during the UK farewell tour.
However, Bvure’s mission extends beyond performance and through Made In Zwe, he has introduced mbira to schools, libraries, and museums, teaching children and multicultural audiences about its spiritual and cultural significance.
His role in Sekuru neVazukuru x Horniman Museum Lates: The Spirit of Zimbabwe in London brought Zimbabwean storytelling and mbira music to life in one of the UK’s premier cultural institutions, leaving audiences mesmerised.
His teaching platform, Bvure’s Mbira Teachings, has even drawn learners from Canada, showing that his music travels far beyond physical stages.
Since he started playing in the United Kingdom, Bvure has received a Cultural Performer Recognition from the Zimbabwean Embassy in the UK and a community award from Newport City Council for his role in Africa Day celebrations.
“I want people to feel Zimbabwe wherever I play. Mbira is not just music; it is memory, spirit, and identity,” he said.
