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Brenda Phiri Entertainment Reporter
Organisers of the recently launched, Tambarimba Marimba Festival for Schools have expressed excitement over the gender balanced turnout at the festival that was held over the weekend. Speaking after the festival which was organised in association with the Zimbabwe College of Music, Tambarimba founder Don “Chidaz” Chidavaenzi said it was encouraging that the inaugural event was breaking gender barriers.

“The auditorium was filled to capacity and an equal number of males and females came through to participate. This is the kind of impact we are aiming for,” he said.
Churchill High School was the overall winner in the high school category and Convent of CZM of Gokwe was the overall winner in the primary schools. For their efforts, they are going for trips to Kariba, floating trophies, marimba trophies, medals and certificates.

“Second and third place secondary went to Hermen Gmeiner of Bindura and Watershed respectively. Second and third places primary went to St Agnes School of Gokwe and Avondale Primary respectively.

The schools were tasked to perform two pieces, one traditional and another contemporary, in an effort aimed at fully exploiting the capabilities of the instrument.
True to the festival’s purpose, a number of promising marimba geniuses were identified for mentorship and will be showcased amongst the best of Zimbabwe music.

“We want to help in promoting and protecting our own cultural heritage through marimba music,” said Chidaz.
The festival, the first of its kind in Zimbabwe attracted traditional music from different parts of the country and these include Harare ,Gokwe, Bindura, Marondera and Buhera among others.

The guest of honour was executive director of The Culture Fund, Farai Mpfunya who applauded the organisers for pulling off a historic event.
The organisers also expressed gratitude for the fully paid tour of Kariba prizes that were courtesy of Northern Cruises of Kariba.

Designer and state of the art trophies were acquired from Marimba Workshop of South Africa, other sponsors included the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Pepsi, Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe, Environmental Management Agency, Teecherz Furnishers, Eversharp, Dandy, Lobels, Nestle, Northern Cruises Kariba, Zimbabwe Red Cross, Childline, Cable Care International, Armoured Security, Tetray Entertainment, Alternatives Names Research, Star FM, Foxhunters, Exquisite Events Deco.