MBIRA player Nasibo, real name Nancy Mutize, is set to launch her first music album, Zaruwe-The Bird Must Fly, at the Alliance Francaise in Harare on Friday.
The live performance has rich traditional dance movements accompanied by well-crafted guitars, keyboards, percussion and mbira.
Nasibo plays mbira with the backing of seasoned instrumentalists Tinotenda Zingapeta, Admire Mwashita, Thabiso Amuli, Praise Sarireni, Archford Sunguro and musician and Poet Chioneso Rutsito of the Edmore and Kamini hit songs fame.
The album has songs Chirimudenga, Hondo, Zapeyi, Moto, Tatadza kureva Tsimba and Bereka Mwana.
All her songs are enlightening and the teachings are very easy to gasp even for the less discerning.
Female mbira duo Mazwi and Vera will provide the opening acts.
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Nasibo is arguably one of the most consistent Zimbabwean fused mbira music performers whose performances blend soulful vocals with the mbira sound and create enchanting experiences through her soothing and sentimental phrases.
She infuses various vocal techniques and influences from African traditions, resulting in a unique sound that uplifts the soul.
Nasibo is an executive member of the Zimbabwe Union of Musicians and has walked the talk in advocating the rights for musicians.
Collaborations with local, regional and international artistes have helped her in creating global repute as a good culture and music teacher.
“In Zaruwe-The Bird Must Fly, each song is a captivating piece of art that tells its own unique story. From soulful ballads to energetic anthems, the album takes listeners on a journey through different emotions and experiences. The melodies are carefully crafted to evoke a range of feelings, from joy and celebration to introspection and reflection,” Nasibo said.
“One of the charming aspects of this album is the fusion of traditional African elements with contemporary sounds. I have creatively infused various vocal techniques, such as Shona yodeling and Ndebele styles, along with influences from diverse African traditions.”
This blending of musical styles, she said, created a sound that was both familiar and fresh, captivating the listener's ear.
“The lyrics in Zaruwe-The Bird Must Fly are thought-provoking. Each song addresses societal issues, such as women and children's rights, Ubuntu and other social causes. Through my songwriting, I aim to create music that not only entertains but also inspires and sparks conversations,” Nasibo told NewsDay Life & Style.
“Additionally, the album showcases my mastery at the mbira, an instrument deeply rooted in African culture. Mbira adds a distinct and enchanting element to music, creating a mesmerising atmosphere that draws listeners in. I believe that the creative works in Zaruwe-The Bird Must Fly leave a lasting impact on anyone who listens.
“It is my hope that the album resonates with a wide audience, transcending genres, languages and cultures.”
She added that creatives needed to be patient and take time to perfect their creative capabilities. To achieve set goals one has to be realistic and tell their own histories in a reliable and truthful way, the mbira player said.
“There should never be a moment that one forgets his own history. I recommend that we push hard towards our goals and tell our own stories through our creative works,” Nasibo said.