FIRST Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa has heaped praise on mbira players for preserving cultural heritage and upholding Hunhu/Ubuntu.
In a speech read on her behalf at the recently-held Bira Rembira's festival, Auxillia said it was heart-warming that Zimbabwean mbira players were revered worldwide.
“We feel proud when our mbira players are acknowledged worldwide for promoting mbira,” she said.
“Our culture is critical for the economic prosperity of our country, our perception of ourselves and how we carry ourselves wherever we go.”
Organiser and music promoter Partson “Chipaz” Chimbodza expressed gratitude to the artistes, festival goers and government for the support.
“It was nice celebrating our tradition as a family,” he said.
“We will always cherish fans and artistes for upholding our culture.”
The festival brought together music lovers, cultural enthusiasts and mbira aficionados for a spectacular showcase of Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage.
- Female politicians complain over sexual harassment
- Zimbabwe’s lobby to lift ivory trade ban stutters
- Involve communities in conservation, says Ndlovu
- Zimbabwe’s lobby to lift ivory trade ban stutters
Keep Reading
Held at Gwanzura Stadium in Highfield, Harare, the festival celebrated the iconic mbira instrument, inscribed on United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2020.
The event was organised by the Sport, Arts and Recreation ministry in collaboration with the Bira ReMbira group.
The festival’s theme, Our Pride, Our Identity: Bringing Humanity in Our Culture, was reflected in the diverse line-up of performers.
Seasoned musicians Jah Prayzah, Andy Muridzo, Vee Mhofu, Diana “Mangwenya” Samkange, Amadhuve Sasha and Gushungo delivered electrifying sets, while learners at Mt Pleasant High School, Domboramwari School, Herman Gmeiner Secondary School and Prince Edward School showcased their impressive mbira skills.
Jah Prayzah, the headlining act, took to the stage for an impressive 15-minute performance, belting out hits like Hakata, Goto, Jerusarema and Chimwe Nechimwe, while Vee Mhofu stole the show with his captivating performance of Mucheka Weretso and Tsotso.
MaNgwenya’s soul-stirring performance of Tovera Mudzimu Dzoka left the audience entranced, whereas Andy Muridzo’s Nhekwe was the icing on the cake.
The event also featured vendors selling cultural artefacts such as bracelets, African attire, bags, traditional headgear, slopes made from tyre rubber and animal hide among many others, adding to the festival’s traditional atmosphere.
The Bira Rembira festival has cemented its place on the Zimbabwe’s cultural calendar, with plans for an annual event.
With the mbira at its heart, the Bira Rembira festival will continue to celebrate Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage, inspiring future generations to cherish and preserve their cultural identity.
