My Favourite Mbira Tracks

Mbira music is so beautiful yet misunderstood by many Zimbabweans. Colonization left many afraid of the Mbira instrument, there is a growing acceptance of it but for many they feel uneasy when they hear it, some don't even dare talk about it. The sad part about the effect s of colonization is that the Mbira is the only instrument that we as Zimbabweans have made, its 100% ours yet we have been made to hate and fear it!!. So sad. 

It has been a vital instrument for our people for generations, its so interlinked with our culture, religion and identity that you cannot separate Zimbabwe with the Mbira. It hold a lots of power, physically and spiritually, its one instrument where if you listen to it, it moves you.

Despite the image many have of the Mbira and that pushed by some mbira players who are always scruffy and dirty we are now a shift in the conduct and appearance of the new age Mbira players. They still do not conform to the western definition of looks and appearance, there is still a distinction which I believe is vital, (clean shaven/Brazilian weave vs dreadlocks (ndaza), suits vs African prints, formal shoes vs sandals...etc), you cannot fully push the Mbira and the culture it came from whilst looking like an American, or European, it will force you to look the part, every genre has an expected dress code as it represents the culture (and religion) of the people who have created it, so that distinction we see with Mbira players is extremely important. Some examples of Mbira players who have/are showing hoe one can be unique but also classy are; Hope Masike, Mary Anibal, Fungisai Mahsvavave, Jah Prayzah, Amadhuve Sasha, Andy Muridzo, Forward Kwenda, Diana Samukange, the late Stella Chiweshe and Chiwoniso Maraire, have been important in changing the narrative.

We are now seeing schools teaching students Mbira, especially the top schools, we are seeing music institutions moving away from classical music to traditional music and that is the right direction. No-one in the world can beat us in playing the Mbira, Hosho, Ngoma, Marimba, these are instruments we made and understand more than any other people.

As we approach Africa Day, I have decided to celebrate the Mbira, its part of what makes me proud of being Zimbabwean and African. It the instrument that my Ancestors used to enjoy and I am carrying on that tradition, it produces a sound that resonates deeply with me so have took some time to curate a playlist of some of my favorite mbira songs and performances below, the list is definitely bigger than that  but for today have selected these ones and the playlist will continue to grow with time. 

I would want to  learn to play the Mbira, have made that a goal for the next ten years Currently I can old my own on the Hosho, am average on the ngoma (definitely can improve a lot) so learning the Mbira will complete the trio.

The playlist above includes:

Singue "Mutekenyi Simboti" - Vanorwa Hondo

Singue "Mutekenyi" Simboti - Zarura Masango

Mbira DzeNharira - Tozvireva Tingaputike Neshungu

Mbira DzeNharira - Muti Mukuru (Instrumental)

Mbira DzeNharira - Kumatendera

Mbira Dzenharira - Sango Dema

Mbira Dzenharira - Zwowoenda Harare (Instrumental)

Mbira Dzenharira - Madzinga

Dimbahwe Mbira Crew - Naome (Mbira Dzemhondoro Mixtape)

Duramazwi Mbira Group - Taisa Maoko

Duramazwi Mbira Group - Chembere Dzemvura

Ambuya Beaular Dyoko & Cosmas Magaya - Nhemausasa

Chiwoniso Maraire - Nhemausasa (Traditional)

Chiwoniso Maraire - Zvichapera

Chiwoniso Maraire - Hurombo Mugara Ndega

Ambuya Nyati - Muroro

Ambuya Nyati - Chigwaya

Ambuya Nyati - Moyo Yadzungaira

Ambuya Stella Chiweshe - Mbira Trip (Mbira Solo 1h no-stop)

Ambuya Stella Chiweshe - Nehondo

Ambuya Stella Ciweshe - Mahororo

Ambuya Stella Chiweshe - Gwendere Gwendere

Caution Shonhai & Larson Shonai - Mahororo

Jummy Tsindi & Nehomba Rusike Mbira Group

Ephat Mujuru - Kuyenda Mbire

Vee Mhofu - Mucheka Weretso

Amadhuve Sasha - Ndega Ndatouya

Thomas Mapfumo - Mahororo

Forward Kwenda - Tadzungaira

Hope Masike - Ndinewe

Hope Masike - Wateme Tsanga

Hope Masike - Hondo

Mary Anibal - Kamuzangaza

Mbira DzeNhare - Mahororo

Fell free to also share your favorite mbira tracks, we need to properly appreciate and celebrate this magical instrument. Happy Africa Day to You ALL.

Proud_Zimbo