Best Albums from Zimbabwe Part 9: Mbira Edition

Its been a while from the moment I published the last edition of this series, life has been happening but now I am a bit settled and decided to resume. This is one of my favourite series to research and compile, it forces me to dig deep and listen to many songs before I arrive at the five projects that I will share with you.  Doing album reviews at the moment is chaotic as albums are dropping from all angles so will slow down on those and will only review a few select projects dedicating more time to topics like the one we are doing today. 

To take you back a bit, this series Best Abums from Zimbabwe came about as a way of having a ready made well curated list of the finest music projects from Zimbabwe to provide anyone interested in Zimbabwean music a perfect starting spot. This series also aims at exposing Zimbabweans to some projects they overlooked or those that never came their way, which all adds to new life to those projects and makes one more prouder of being Zimbabwean. 

For this edition I felt we needed to go for Mbira music. The Mbira is a beautiful musical instrument that was created in Zimbabwe, its 100% ours, it has been played in this country for centuries and its woven into the fabric of our culture, identity and spirituality, its impossible to describe what a Zimbabwean is without mentioning the Mbira at some point. Currently due to the amazing work of various artists Mbira music is now globally recognized and celebrated, it even has got its spot among the Grammy considerations list under the Chimurenga name. 

On this article and list have curated five amazing Mbira projects that perfectly showcase how diverse, powerful, soothing and unique this instrument is. This list serves as a beginner guide to anyone who wants to know the traditional sound of Zimbabwe and those Zimbabweans who are on a journey of self discovery, those searching for identity.

1. Mbira Dzenharira - Tozvireva Tingaputike Neshungu (2000)

Tracklist: Kumatendera, Sango Dema, Taivaziva Kare, Tozvireva Tingaputike Neshungu, Huya Uzoona, Sara Mugomo & Ndongamahwe.

This album signaled a revival of Mbira music that started in the 90's, despite the negative Mbira image pushed by the mainstream media this album proved to many that Mbira Music was still beloved and celebrated. As a 90's kid this album was my the Mbira project I was exposed to, Saramugomo was heavily played on TV and radio, you could not escape the song. When this album dropped it was the first time I started seeing Mbira tracks on Music shows on TV. The image of the band scared me at that time, the long dreadlock, the animal print, but now that I am grown I fully understand and respect, I actually feel we should have a public holiday where everyone should adorn traditional wear akin to their clan and tribe. As I grew older got more mature and open minded, I went back to this album and wow, its a masterpiece, it set the tone and standard for Mbira that many still try to achieve to this day. The title track Tozvireva Tingaputike Neshungu is arguably the finest Mbira song to ever come out of Zimbabwe and among the top tracks to ever be produced by any Zimbabwean. Its one of those songs which speak to that moment where you have things weighing you down, those things you cannot fully express or describe out loud and only thing you can do is to use humming and sounds to convey your message to your ancestors and the creator.

2. Chiwoniso Maraire - Timeless (2004)

Tracklist: Hupenyu Kutenderera, Vana Vanogwara, Wandirasa, Rebel Woman, In This Life, Mukaranga Ane Shanje, Hurombo ((Mugara Ndega), Chembere Dzemusango, Handimbozorora (Spirits), Nhemamusasa (Traditional). Ndofa Ndichibaiwa & Ziva Kwaunobva.

For many modern Mbira music fans the name Chiwoniso Maraire is the first that comes to mind. She was so awesome and went about her stuff so gracefully that she singlehandedly changed the perspective millions had about the Mbira, she made it cool especially for women. Because of Chiwoniso we started to see parents gladly letting (and urging) their kids learn playing the Mbira. Her first project Ancient Voices is highly regarded by all generations in Zimbabwe but for this episode I feel her second largely overlooked album Timeless truly embodies the Mbira sound and even the themes are boldly Zimbabwean, its celebrates our sound, the Mbira and our culture more boldly. She went acoustic for this album and its a beauty, I truly believe it can hold its own against Ancient Voices.

3. Ephat Mujuru - Mbavaira (1983)

Tracklist: Mbavaira, Kuenda Mbire, Mudande & Nyama Musango

Ephat Mujuru was one of those few who remained brave and standing at a time where many Zimbos shunned the Mbira. In an era where many preferred western instruments and sound Ephat Mujuru kept on strumming his Mbira upholding our beautiful instrument, sound and culture. This is one of finest projects he released, despite not getting any mainstream success when it was released the album has aged very well and is now among the highly regarded Mbira classics, its a favourite of many Mbira fans. students and  players. Ephat takes the listener on a beautiful journey on this project, Mbira music in its rawest form. 

4. Stella Chiweshe - Talking Mbira (Spirits Of Liberation) (2002)

Tracklist: Ndabaiwa, Chachimurenga, Uchiseka, Musandifungise, Paite Rima, Tapera, Nhamoimbiri, Manja, Huvhimi.

The late Mbuya Stella Chiweshe is undoubtedly one of the most iconic Mbira Queens in Zimbabwe, its impossible to talk about the Mbira gaining international recognition and admiration without talking about her music and the work she has done. She was never shy to showcase our culture, from her dressing and language she made sure you know she is proudly Zimbabwean. She released a number of very impressive projects but for today had to chose this one, Talking Mbira. To make this album more appealing Mbuya Stella Chiweshe added other afro elements to make the music easier for first time listeners. This makes this project a no brainer if you want to introduce someone to Mbira music, you can easily see why this went on to become her most known project on the global scale. 

5. Ambuya Nyati : Zimbabwe : Shona Ritual Music (2013)

Tracklist: Muroro, Bukatiende, Karigamombe, Chigamba, Moyo Yadzungaira, Changamire Mudzimu Dzoka, Chipembere, Changamire Munoyera, Kuyenda Mbire, Dande & Chigwaya.

Very little is known about Ambuya Nyati whose real name is believed to be Nyamayaro Muza, she was a spirit medium (Svikiro) belonging to the Nyati clan and that was the name she used when performing. As the title implies this album is made up of tracks that are popular in Zimbabwean cultural and spiritual functions, such music you will find at Bira's. The main goal of this album is to create the perfect atmosphere for one to communicate with their ancestors, the way the tracks feel, sound are all made to ensure the mood if right. Its that type of a music that gets you into a trance, its soft, melodic and repetitive in a way that transports you to another world. There are tracks for all situations, when you are burdened, when you are thankful, when you feel lost...you will find a track that speaks to your mood and prepares you for that talk with your ancestors.  

So ya those are the 5 albums I have carefully curated for you to give you a full experience of Mbira Music. Take your time to go through each and every one of them and share with me your favorite among the 5 projects. 

As I was curating this list I found out that most of the classic mbira albums were recorded in studios in Europe, quite a number actually came about to be because of Europeans who were fascinated by the sound. My hope is going forward we need to lead the way when it comes to Mbira compositions and recordings.

Feel free to share other Mbira projects you feel deserve a spot on this list. 

Proud_Zimbo