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Timothy Lloyd and Linos Magaya (right) of Mbira Vibes

Sophia Chese Arts Correspondent
United Kingdom-based Chimurenga group Zimbaremabwe Mbira Vibes is currently in the country on a musical tour that is meant to celebrate Chimurenga music. The group has lined up eight shows around Harare and in Kadoma. In an interview the group’s front man Linos Wengara Magaya said they have discovered that Chimurenga music is losing popularity in the country since upcoming musicians are choosing other genres.

“It seems our own culture; own type of music is fading away due to the coming in of foreign music especially dancehall. “People no longer value our Chimurenga music and its’ going out of line so in these shows we have been made to try and bring back our own type of music by encouraging the youths to embrace our own music and culture,” he said.

Magaya highlighted that they are set to establish a studio in one of the high density suburbs before they leave the country. “Since we want the youths to appreciate Chimurenga music, we brought with us sets of studio equipment so that we will set up a studio in one of the high density suburbs. Youths will be able to record Chimurenga music at the studio, but it will also be open to other genres like gospel”, he said.

The group was formed in 1995 in Kadoma before moving to UK. The members now perform, practice and teach Zimbabwean arts particularly mbira instrument in many institutions abroad.

They will be going back to the UK on November 22 after performing in Kadoma.