MIDLANDS Marimba Arts Festival executive director Tinomutenda Chihora has called for the transcription of marimba songs so that traditional music can be integrated into the education curriculum.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Midlands Marimba Arts Festival held last weekend in Gweru, Chihora said Zimbabwean traditional music should be safeguarded for the benefit of future generations.
“There is need for the transcription of our traditional marimba songs so that they can be easily integrated into the curriculum,” he said.
“This (transcription) will protect our musical heritage from abuse since currently the music is in the public domain.”
Chihora said he had transcribed 30 songs with financial support from Culture Fund Zimbabwe Trust.
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He said the creative arts sector should adopt artificial intelligence tools and contribute to the growth of the country’s economy.
Chihora said there was need to correct wrong information about the history of Zimbabwe traditional music on online platforms.
“There is also need to adopt local online shops to curb loss of income through piracy as well as use of foreign music platforms,” he said.
In his presentation at the festival, Great Zimbabwe University music expert Martison Nhamo said there was need to document traditional music as a way of preserving the rich musical heritage.
“We should document our cultural music and not wait for foreigners to do so on our behalf,” he said.
The festival, held under the theme Our Culture is our Currency, saw school bands from Redcliff Primary School in Kwekwe and Maharishi Secondary School in Zvishavane walking away with trophies, medals and certificates after performing marimba songs.
Next year’s edition of the Midlands Marimba Arts Festival will be held in May in Zvishavane.
