PREPARATIONS are at an advanced stage for Bira Rembira to be held on September 27 at the Heritage Village in Harare. The event is billed to be the peak of the Mbira Month commemorations, which are traditionally held every September in Zimbabwe. The mbira instrument, which has been listed as tangible heritage for Zimbabwe and Malawi by the United Nations, is also set to be a unifier as a creative guild of mbira musicians from Malawi will feature at Bira Rembira, where there will be a wide array of mbira and music from traditional and contemporary musicians.
Headlining Bira Rembira is Mbira Dzenharira, Jah Prayzah, Feli Nandi, Andy Muridzo, Duramanzwi, Nzombehuru, Kurai Makore, Vee Mhofu, Texas Tekenya, Sarungano and Sir Lino Piloto, as well as lots of other surprises. “We realised there was a gap in celebrating our traditional instruments and this event was born to bridge that and in the process fusing community, culture and creativity into one celebration. Over the years, it has grown into a national movement,” he said.
“This year is very special because it marks the closing ceremony of Mbira Month, which has been full of workshops, school programmes and performances. “We’re proud to be hosting it at Heritage Village, a symbolic venue that represents the blending of modern Zimbabwe with its roots. The line-up this year is also a powerful mix of legends and rising stars.” Chipaz added that the Mbira Month was about reclaiming and celebrating our musical heritage.
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“We are very intentional about curating a line-up that honours both traditional mbira custodians like musicians from Malawi, Mbira Dzenharira and contemporary artistes like Jah Prayzah who are innovating with the instrument. The idea is not to choose sides, but to showcase mbira’s versatility and evolution.”
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