Lets Talk About The Mbira for a Minute!!!

When it comes to music the Mbira instrument is one that is distinctively ours. World over the Mbira is synonymous with Zimbabwe. Its ours, we are the ones who know how to make it, how to create those enchanting sounds, whenever one wants a Mbira they have to come to Zimbabwe or find a Zimbabwean near them to get one. Its been used by the various tribes in Zimbabwe for centuries, its an instrument that is closely tied to who we are as a people. The colonizer recognized its importance and made it a priority to demonize it and for the large part he succeeded. The only reason the Mbira endured is because, its inception was not just merely our creativity but it was spiritual. That is why you hear of stories of little kids who from the onset just know how to play the mbira.

Its this spiritual connection that the mbira has to one's ancestors which scares many as they have been distanced from their ancestors, so even up to today many shun it saying its too powerful or evil. Funny thing is if you trace the history of all musical instruments you know, you will find out that religion played a part in the creation of most if not all the musical instruments you know. In every religion  music plays a vital part in creating that connection between the spiritual and the physical. To make various or specific sounds and moods our voices are not enough so additional instruments are required hence the creation of various instruments. If you travel all over the world there are thousands of different instruments which have at some point played a big part or are still used for spiritual purposes. As times move some of those instruments evolve, they take new forms or inspire newer instruments and so on and so on.

Now when it comes to the mbira its not only about the connection of the spiritual world and physical but it can also be used to make people dance and have a good time. We have seen many instruments being paired with the mbira to make various styles of music. The usual suspect beside every mbira instrument is the hosho. With just a couple of mbiras and hoshos you can have a serious party and never feel the need for other instruments. Take listen to Tozvireva Tingaputike Neshungu by Mbira Dzenharira (one of the all time best mbira tracks) and tell me if you feel there is anything missing. You can also listen to some current favorites of mine Zarura Masango or Marimuka by Singue "Matekenya" Simboti and tell me if you feel anything missing. The Mbira has a wide range of sounds, it covers the whole sound spectrum; bass, mid and high. Coupled with the hosho that adds a sharp, raspy sound you get a well balanced sound from the two instruments.

Another unique and differentiating factor about the Mbira is that unlike most modern instruments where you can easily break down the keys, name them (eg. C, C#, G, F...etc) and write down progressions, with the Mbira you play as your feel, as you hear fit. Its hard to find two mbiras that sound exactly the same so you have to feel out all the keys to create the melody you want. This ensures you play from the heart and not the mind, that is why its regarded as an emotional instrument. 

The Mbira is very versatile as it can be fused into many arrangements and genres. Its not specific to one genre, you can use it in Hip Hop, Rock, RnB, House, Afro Beats, Contemporary... you just need to find a Gwenyambira (Master of the Mbira) and you can create something special. Dr Thomas Tafirenyika Mapfumo made extensive use of the Mbira in his Chimurenga type of music. You can hear how the mbira can complement other instruments like; electric guitars, saxophone, brass, keyboards...etc without being over powering but adding a flavor no other instrument can add. Currently we have the superstar Jah Prayzah making use of Mbira in his songs, he has a modern sounding catalogue and the mbira is fitting in perfectly. One great thing about the mbira is when you fuse it into your music, it will have that unique touch that no other foreign artist can create, a sound you can only find in Zimbabwe. Its like an I am Zimbabwean signature to your music. 

This is one instrument that I would love to see being extensively explored by creatives all over Zimbabwe. The versatility of this instrument is amazing and fully exploring it can help the development and growth of the local arts sector. I have always advocated for Zimbabwean artist's to find their sound, one that is unique and sets us apart from others on the continent and I think the mbira will play a crucial role in that the creation of that unique sound. So I hope we get to overcome the "evil" narrative that was pushed by the colonizer and embrace this instrument in its beauty and versatility. Once we do that a more interesting future awaits Zim artists and creatives alike.  

Proud_Zimbo