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Sophia Chese Arts Correspondent
Harare’s Gijima Sports Bar will tonight host one of the finest mbira groups in the country, Mbira Dzenharira. Mbira Dzenharira have now become regulars at the joint, which has become their home. In an interview, the joint’s manager Munyaradzi Mugwagwa said they have discovered that many of their patrons love and enjoy traditional music and Mbira Dzenharira has proved to be one of their favourite outfits.

“We mainly host traditional and jazz musicians because of the people who normally come to our joint so it seems Mbira Dzenharira over the period they have performed at the joint have created a bond with our patrons hence they are back by public demand,” he said. On the other hand, the gwenyambiras have promised to do what they know best saying they are set to dish out their classic traditional songs including those from their upcoming projects.

“Mbira enthusiasts should come prepared for a special treat as we will be in top form. We have come of age and are now a strong mbira band and we are also going to be sampling some of our new songs from our upcoming album to be released in April,” said the group’s leader Tendai Gahamadze.

The mbira outfit comprises of Chaka “Mukanya” Chakandika, a marimba player, Clemence “Mbizi” Rice, a nhovapasi bass mbira player, Takawira “Gushungo” Devera who plays the lead mbira, Assa “Mukanya” Wilson (percussion) and Tony Khumalo who oversees the instruments.