🇿🇼NewsDay Zimbabwe·3 hours ago
Creatives applaud Mbira Awards for honoring cultural heritage champions
The Baradzanwa Mbira Festival recently honored influential musicians, teachers, and cultural custodians for their role in preserving and advancing Zimbabwe's mbira traditions. Held at Baradzanwa Cultural Village, the festival recognized figures such as Jah Prayzah, Charles Mavhunga, Albert Chimedza, Vee Mhofu, Wilfred Nyamasvisva, Florence Nyamazana, Alois Mutinhiri, Linos Magaya, Musekiwa Chingodza, Samuel Mujuru, and Tendayi Gahamadze. The event also paid tribute to departed legends including Ephat Mujuru, Stella Chiweshe, Sekuru Gora, Sekuru Gweshe, and Dumisani Maraire. Cultural activist Milcah Maigurira of Dzimbabwe Institute of Heritage and Culture noted that the initiative supports efforts to create a dedicated mbira category at the National Arts Merit Awards. Award recipient Florence Nyamazana, a prominent female mbira performer, expressed excitement for the future of the mbira music industry. Albert Chimedza, director of the Mbira Institute, viewed his recognition as a collective effort and welcomed new players in the mbira sector. Canada-based mbira players Tafadzwa and Amy Matamba described the festival as a deeply meaningful cultural experience that reconnected participants with their roots, bringing together traditional leaders, musicians, dancers, cultural practitioners, government officials, diplomats, and music enthusiasts. They also highlighted the launch of "Mbira Virtuosos," a book by researcher Charles Mavhunga. First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, the guest of