Save mbira music from extinction

Obituaries
In an interview with a Kenyan newspaper a few years ago, Oliver Mtukudzi said young African musicians would not be able to convincingly represent their countries’ cultural identities on the international scene because they were abandoning music genres that define their origins.

In an interview with a Kenyan newspaper a few years ago, Oliver Mtukudzi said young African musicians would not be able to convincingly represent their countries’ cultural identities on the international scene because they were abandoning music genres that define their origins. Mtukudzi was referring to the continuous Westernisation of Africa’s music industry as most youths turn to music that is heavily linked to genres like hip-hop, soul and R ‘n’ B. He said music consumers in other countries were interested in seeing something different from what they are used to daily and the only way for a musician to do so would be to play music that is dominant in his or her country of origin.

  Maybe that is the reason why Mtukudzi’s music is influenced by the traditional katekwe beat. Traditional music always attracts attention on the international market than most forms of modernised genres.

  For Zimbabwe, the common and easily marketable type of traditional music is mbira. The mbira beat has infiltrated markets across the globe and most global music consumers recognise it as the original Zimbabwean music.

  Musicians like the late Dumi Maraire, Chiwoniso Maraire, Beulah Dyoko and Stella Chiweshe managed to win hearts overseas because of this beat. Even Thomas Mapfumo’s success on the international scene was mainly because his music is hinged on mbira.

  However, this type of music seems to be slowly dying on the local scene as young musicians shun the genre. In most parts of the country mbira music is now a preserve of a few traditional ceremonies yet it is the genre that carries the spiritual and cultural identity of Zimbabwean music.

  A few musicians like Hope Masike and the late Taku Mafika that decided to “stoop low” and pursue mbira made inroads onto the international market at the prime days of their careers.

  It is unfortunate that, back home, mbira artists have been restricted to small venues yet Zimbabweans should be celebrating and encouraging these artists to keep our musical identity alive.

  Very few people in the music industry know that September is mbira month. It is a month in which mbira events should take centre stage, yet the shows are being overshadowed by other festivities. A number of mbira gigs that were organised to honour the month did not get the prominence that they should have been accorded.

  All the events played second fiddle to other genres, which is a sign of gradual demise of the genre. About five years ago, mbira was among the most popular genres in the country, but that popularity is fast waning.

  In 2006 there was a mbira event at the Coronation Caravan Park in Msasa that went on for two days and two nights and was well-attended. That time mbira groups like Mbira DzeNharira, Mawungira eNharira, Zata Zemba and Hwevambira would easily get gigs in various venues and attract capacity crowds.

 

 

The popularity of mbira, that time, could have been the reason why a number of mbira groups split since they had to compete for the growing number of fans. After the split of Mawungira eNharira from Mbira Dzenharira, there also came Nhare DzeChirorodziva from the same team and a number of other groups branched from these groups.

  Then, mbira had gained much ground and a mbira month like this September could not have gone silently. Mbira rhythms should have been echoing throughout the country. Something must be done to rescue mbira from extinction.

 

Macheso guitarist not yet fit for the stage

“They always send text messages asking how I am feeling and it is troubling me but I can’t do anything because the doctors say I still need a rest.”

  Mumiriki thanked the band for taking care of him.

  “I am happy that I managed to build a house when I was still active. My family and the band are focusing on footing my hospital bills since I do not need to pay rentals.”

  “In some bands, they pay those active on stage and if you go away even if you are sick they don’t give you anything but I am happy that it has not been the same with me. I am receiving my salary and our mother (Macheso’s wife) is closely assisting my family.”

  Macheso’s assistant manager Jethro Machanja said Mumiriki was one of them and they would never leave him in his time of need.

  “We are with him because he is our band member so, as far as we are concerned, we are responsible for everything as a band,” said Machanja.