Zimbabwean Music Concert & Dance
Posted May 14, 2014 at 5:30 am by Tim Dustrude
Zimbabwean Music Concert & Dance featuring Musekiwa Chingodza and Katura Marimba
Musekiwa Chingodza – Contributed photo
Musekiwa Chingodza was born into a family of great mbira players in Mwangara village, Murewa, Zimbabwe, in 1970. He began playing mbira at the age of five and is self-taught. Through listening to other gwenyambira, or great mbira players, he developed a strong attachment to and love for mbira music. He says, “Our music is both medicine and food, as mbira has the power to heal and to provide for people. Mbira pleases both the living and the dead.” In 1991 Musekiwa was a key member of the band Panjea, founded by Chris Berry.
Musekiwa formerly taught mbira at Prince Edward School in Harare for many years, and continues to be in demand to play mbira at ceremonies in Zimbabwe. Since 1999, he has been a regular visitor to the U.S., sponsored biennially by Kutsinhira Cultural Arts Center in Eugene, Oregon. Musekiwa is considered to be one of the greatest living mbira musicians. He is also an excellent singer, dancer and drummer and plays both mbira dzavadzimu and nyunga nyunga mbira.
Katura Marimba Band – Contributed photo
Katura Marimba is an established inter-island marimba ensemble, with eight players sharing the full family consort of marimba instruments, soprano to bass. Katura has been performing on the islands for the past 10 years with a repertoire that includes traditional Zimbabwean tunes as well as original compositions and arrangements. The lively marimba arrangements will get your toes tapping, and can inspire dancing. Katura incorporates singing and will be joined by Musekiwa in several pieces. Mutual friendship and shared musical passion makes this concert a favorite for the performers, and creates a very special evening for all present.
Saturday, May 31st, 2014, 7:30pm at Brickworks (150 Nichols Street, Friday Harbor)
All Ages Welcome! Admission: Adult $15, Youth $8, Family $25
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Categories: Around Here
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