In a joint effort with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, the varsity will hold annual mbira music symposiums to excite enthusiasm among youths. While other music genres like Sungura, Urban Grooves and Gospel command huge followings, mbira music is lagging behind.
Paul Bayethe Damasane, the Sports, Art and Culture Ministry Principal Director who witnessed the varisity’s mbira symposium last week said: “It is imperative to encourage youths and the nation in general to strongly support mbira music. It is the essence of our culture.”
Mbira groups Zvirimudenhe, Mukoko, MSU Mbira ensemble and others staged exhibitions and performances at the event.
Dr Nhamo Mhiripiri, mbira music artist and lecturer at MSU, believes youths should be disabused of the wrong notion that mbira music is associated with spirit mediums. It originated with the Shona speaking people who mainly used it during traditional ceremonies as a source of entertainment.
Post published in: Entertainment