developed an authentic musical identity which would have made us more significant on the world map as we develop our music today.
While this may be the case it’s up to us to develop an appreciation of the mbira instrument and begin to use it more often than not.
It’s been a month now since I have been following the group Mawungira Enharira and I must say you haven’t heard anything if you haven’t listened to this traditional outfit.

Forget what they told you about this type of music because it is not the ultimate truth that mbira music is all about appeasing the spirits and ancestors.
Rather, it is one of the many ways to communicate social values.
Mawungira Enharira is an eight-member ensemble, which plays traditional mbira music. The group was formed in November 2005.

They respect and spearhead the cultural and traditional value systems of the Shona people through music.
To make up this high-energy and dynamic group the members are Tichaona MaAfrica Nyamasvisva, who is the composer, arranger, lead vocalist and mbira player on bass (nhova pasi).
On rhythm or duriro there is Tawanda Chipungu, Malvern Vande (lead, mheteto), Edward Mutemasango (sub rhythm, hweya), Lenmore Chikumbirike on hosho/backing vocals, Kudakwashe Bhosha

also on hosho/backing vocals, Linot Liyambo on drums, Dilony Mutaka on hosho and dancer.
The idea of forming the group came after the realisation that cultural and traditional storytelling and music were fast fading away.
A case in point is the demise of the once famous Boterekwa Mbira Group and the relocation of icons like Mbuya Stella Chiweshe to Germany that left a void in this regard.

With this is mind, Nyamasvisva teamed up with other talented gwenyambiras to come up with this unique cultural ensemble that has since rose to prominence in Africa and the world at large.
From humble beginnings, Mawungira Enharira rose to iconic status in the short period of time since its inception.
The group is a permanent feature on The Book Cafe’s calendar wooing crowds with their scintillating performances every Friday night.

They also feature prominently at national events, cultural festivals, corporate events and private functions.
The group has toured widely in China, Zambia as well as the United States.
In English, “mawungira” means echoes while “nharira” is the name of a sacred mountain found in Norton, located 40km west of Harare along the Harare-Bulawayo Road, where the Rozvi spirit medium Sekuru Mushore resides.

The sky is the limit for this ambitious outfit.
It is their intention to invest in various key projects in the near future and to establish an ethno-musicology academy and cultural centre to groom and nurture prospective artistes within the traditional genre.

 

  • Richard Kohola is a music critic and development expert and can be contacted on the following number 0772382871 or email [email protected]

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