The second annual Bira reMbira Festival is set to take place at the end of this month at the Heritage Village in Harare, celebrating the Unesco recognition of the mbira as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
This year's theme, Our Identity, Our Pride - Engraving Our Culture and Heritage Through Generations, reflects Zimbabwe's commitment to preserving its cultural traditions.
The event also coincides with September being designated as 'Mbira Month' in the country.
“The festival will feature a variety of cultural exhibitions, including displays of traditional foods, games, and cultural practices,” said events manager Benjamin Nyandoro.
“A significant focus will be on the mbira itself, with demonstrations of its making, playing, and complementing instruments. The national fabric will also be on display.”
A major highlight of the event is the debut of a new theme song, a collaboration between primary and secondary school music groups.
The song, recorded at the Zimbabwe College of Music, incorporates instruments such as the mbira, marimba, ngoma, and hosho.
Nyandoro hopes the project will deepen cultural literacy and inspire future careers in the creative arts.
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The festival will feature an impressive lineup of performers, including Samaita neMbira DzeNharira, Nyamasvisva Nemaungira eNharira, Jah Prayzah, Feli Nandi, Mangwenya, Andy Muridzo, and Sasha Madhuve.
In a gesture of shared heritage, a mbira/sansi musical group from Malawi will also perform, recognizing the joint UNESCO listing for both nations.
The Bira reMbira Festival is free to the public, continuing the tradition set by the inaugural event in 2024 at Gwanzura Stadium.
The festival invites Zimbabweans, the diplomatic community, and international visitors to join in the celebrations of the nation's rich cultural heritage.
