Jonathan Mbiriyamveka Entertainment Reporter
Veteran writer, poet, storyteller and mbira musician Chirikure Chirikure on Monday mesmerised the audience at the Spanish Embassy in Harare where he was the guest performer. Backed by his friends Okay Machisa and Chiwoniso Maraire on mbira as well as Ticha Muzavazi on hosho, the Germany-based Chirikure thrilled the audience with his solo performance and collaborations.
Some of his poetic works include the popular “Kanyanisa”, “Chaminuka”, “Chimanimani”, “Bhora”, “Mawere Kongonya” and “Chino Batetsve”.
The performance felt a lot like a homecoming a show for the veteran artiste who also celebrated his belated 50th birthday together with fans and relatives including his mother.
Chirikure is popularly known for blending humour, images, text and music to achieve a pointed, wicked and risky satire.
Born in March 1962 in Gutu, Chirikure is a graduate of the University of Zimbabwe and an honorary fellow of University of Iowa, United States.
He worked with one of Zimbabwe’s leading publishing houses as an editor/publisher for 17 years until 2002.
Chirikure has been based in Germany for the past year after being selected as part of a fellowship, the BAAD Artiste Fellowship in Berlin, which has seen him touring Europe staging performances and lectures.
His first volume, “Rukuvhute”, received an Honourable Mention in the Noma Awards for Publishing in Africa in 1990. His other book, “Hakurarwi — We Shall Not Sleep” was selected as one of the 75 Best Zimbabwean Books of the 20th century in a competition run by the Zimbabwe International Book Fair in 2004.
Apart from sharing his experiences and talking about his works, the discussion presented an opportunity for many to get up close with the Chirikure.
Since his return to Zimbabwe two weeks ago, Chirikure has held meetings with other Zimbabwean writers, mbira performers, and poets among other artistes to share ideas on opportunities that are available across the globe.
One of his recent achievements was the decision by Vienna Airport, Austria,  to display his new Shona poem in its departure lounge with effect from June 2012. The poem is about “The Journeys of Our Lives”.
Extra-Blessings Kuchera, who organised the event, said he was happy to welcome Chirikure and grateful for his support of Zimbabwean art.
Pamberi Trust and the Embassy of Spain’s Cultural Centre in Belgravia supported the event.