Mbira music lovers are in for a treat this Friday as Theatre In The Park hosts an Afro fusion-themed concert that will feature renowned mbira player Wilfred Mafrika, popularly known as Nyamasvisva and his backing ensemble Mawungira eNharira.
The show will also bring together mbira artistes such as young Nhare and Nyunga Nyunga player Tendai Mavengeni, ChiChi WeMbira and Fungai Chinogaramombe.
Other artistes set to grace the show include Droba and Jangano Tribe led by Samson Gohwa, True Bhantu and saxophonist Chester Sax.
“It has been a long time since we had shows of this nature where mbira players come together to spotlight the genre. We are inviting all mbira music followers from all corners to attend this show and witness a showcase of mbira music at its finest,” Nyamasvisva told NewsDay Life & Style.
Nyamasvisva said that they were preparing to get into the studio to record a new album and hinted at sampling some of the forthcoming songs at the concert.
“Last year I did a solo project titled Nyamasvisva Mbira Solo which is yet to be launched. It has about six tracks such as Mangwende, Sekuru Josiah and other tracks. It is, however, the upcoming album that is set to be explosive as we invested a lot of expertise in its creative direction and composition,” he noted.
Mbira music, with its rich history and cultural significance, faces challenges in modern Zimbabwe. Its depth and message is overlooked by today's fast-paced type of music that promotes slackness.
“We need passionate advocates to help promote mbira music,” Nyamasvisva said.
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The concert is organised by ETWO, an audio equipment and lighting service provider. Tickets are going for US$10.
