Schools churn out mbira players
Trust Khosa
Youth Interactive Writer
SCHOOLS around Zimbabwe have the potential to become nurseries of mbira players if they get maximum support from arts regulatory chiefs and their stakeholders, learners say.
The debate was reignited at the inaugural “Bira Rembira Festival” recently held at Gwanzura Stadium in Highfield, Harare.
The event, which marked the conclusion of the Mbira Month (September) in style, attracted hundreds of young learners who came in numbers to appreciate the traditional instrument.
To ensure variety was served, event organisers — Partson “Chipaz” Chimbodza, Benjamin Nyandoro and Diana “Mangwenya” Samkange — incorporated mbira players from schools to participate in the event.
Young mbira players from Prince Edward High, Domboramwari Secondary School, Mt Pleasant High School and Hermann Gmeinner High School enthralled fans at the event.
It was a marvel to watch learners appreciating the sacred thumb piano, whose cultural significance should not be underestimated.
The addition of school-going mbira players in the line-up was a masterstroke as the move provided variety for the event.
Several learners from local schools, who graced the event, could not hide their elation after witnessing their peers in action.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the event because we have youngsters who love mbira. Our wish as kids is to be supported to take this initiative too far.
“I came here as a fan and child but from now on, I am going to nag my dad to enrol me in mbira lessons.
“I cannot afford to keep admiring other kids who are doing well,” said Brandon Moyo, a learner from Highfield.
Another learner from Southerton Primary School added: “I was challenged by those guys who represented their schools well and I would like to follow in their footsteps.
“I strongly believe that a young person must learn one or two traditional instruments. I am going to be serious with mbira lessons because we were taught that it symbolises greatness.”
It was encouraging to see more schools performing at such events.
Not to be outdone was Jayden Moyo from Mhuriimwe Secondary School in Mufakose, Harare, who challenged arts promoters to invest in young mbira players.
“We are challenging top promoters like Chipaz and their colleagues to continue sponsoring such programmes.
“We are challenging the top promoters to invest in young creatives who follow their tradition like us.
“The same amount of investment they put in Zimdancehall shows should also be channelled towards the promotion of mbira musicians, especially young talent.
“I was impressed by the level of talent that we saw in Highfield and it would be unfair not to give them exposure.
“We are hoping that the 2025 edition will feature more schools.”
The Herald on Saturday Lifestyle understands that event organisers are already planning September 2025’s programme.
The event organisers have since engaged the Ministry of Sports, Arts, and Reaction in their drive to unearth new talent while the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education will be engaged as we go into schools.
Mangwenya, who has a soft spot for young creatives, has pledged to assist aspiring mbira players. The good news was that the promoters included mbira players from schools who performed beyond expectations.
The kids’ mastery of the traditional instrument left many people in awe, especially arts regulatory chiefs and talent scouts who graced the event. This year’s event came at a time when the mbira instrument was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2020.
This makes the thumb piano (mbira) a sacred instrument whose cultural significance should be preserved at all costs.
It’s quite encouraging to note that young learners in schools have also fallen in love with mbira, which used to be despised.
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