“Mbira is for peace, mbira is for love”
-Cosmas Magaya
Mbira is an ancient music which is played by certain groups of Shona people in Zimbabwe and Mozambique. At its origin, the mbira’s main function is to communicate with the spirit world, and its sound has been recognized by many around the globe to have inherent healing qualities.
Today in Zimbabwe the mbira is still actively used in traditional ceremonies, as well as for general entertainment at concerts, or in other social community events. Mbira is now being played and enjoyed by a global community, spanning from the Americas to Asia due to the very generous and open nature of the Shona people, as well as the increase of Zimbabwean musicians and teachers who travel the world. This specific mbira has many names, and may be referred to as mbira dzavadzimu, mbira huru, nhare… among others.
Below are some videos for your enjoyment…
MHURI YEKWA MAGAYA
performs “Mahororo”
Recorded in Mhondoro, Zimbabwe
January 2010
mbira musicians:
Cosmas Magaya
Jenny Muchumi (aka Jane Chingodza)
Mudavanhu Magaya
Kudakwashe Sikalela
hosho: Artwell Kusarurwa
PATIENCE CHAITEZVI MUNJERI
performs “Tadzungaira”
Santa Clara University, California
November 13, 2013
mbira musicians:
Patience Chaitezvi Munjeri
Tom Melkonian
hosho: Melissa Cara Rigoli
MATEMAI MBIRA GROUP
performs “Gomo RaMutare”
from album “Shanda Ugarike”
Recorded in Zimbabwe, January 2011
mbira musicians:
Newton Cheza Chozengwa “Matemai”
Lameck Putse
Tinarwo Mazhambe
vocals: Ellen Seremwe
MUSEKIWA CHINGODZA
performs “Tomutenda Mambo”
Recorded in Santa Cruz in April 2012
PATIENCE CHAITEZVI MUNJERI
performs “Kanhurura”
Santa Clara University, California
November 13, 2013
MBIRA DZIVA
performs “Bembero”
Santa Cruz Waldorf School
mbira musicians:
Tom Melkonian
Melissa Cara Rigoli
hosho: Krishna Pulavarti
JULIA TSITSI CHIGAMBA &
CHINYAKARE ENSEMBLE
performs “Marenje”
Ashkenaz, Berkeley
04/11/15
video by Johnonoh Nyamuzuwe
JULIA TSITSI CHIGAMBA &
CHINYAKARE ENSEMBLE
performs “Bembero”
Ashkenaz, Berkeley
04/11/15
video by Johnonoh Nyamuzuwe
JULIA TSITSI CHIGAMBA &
CHINYAKARE ENSEMBLE
performs “Shumba”
Ashkenaz, Berkeley
04/11/15
video by Johnonoh Nyamuzuwe