Internationally acclaimed mbira queen Mbuya Stella Chiweshe is set to launch Chivanhu Trust and host public discussions at the Book Café tomorrow. The Chivanhu Trust seeks to reignite the spirit and passion for Zimbabwean cultural legacy, especially among the youth. The vision behind Chivanhu Trust is to accord elderly folk of Zimbabwe their traditionally respected role in social life by understanding and listening to their wisdom.
“In this way, youth and elders, become connected so younger members of society may understand their own legacy.
Mbuya Chiweshe took on gender role reversal by playing the mbira that was mostly played only by men those days.
It was not easy for her to convince people that a woman could master the instrument,” noted event organisers, Pamberi Trust in a statement.
“Mbuya Chiweshe has travelled the world mingling with many cultures.
“In these travels, she has strengthened cultural respect and linkages, as equals.
“Where colonial conquest sought to belittle African culture, Mbuya Chiweshe has built respect.
“Her passion for deeper truth through culture, for Zimbabwe to rediscover cultural identity after colonialism, as well as her spiritual strength has won respect of all.
“In this journey, Mbuya Chiweshe has learnt lessons she would like to share, simple courtesies and ways of cultural exchange that sit alongside profound cultural beliefs and philosophies.”
The open and free discussions will be about culture, mbira, legacy and the values of our culture and spiritual life.
“Mbuya Chiweshe conceived the idea after realising how youths were being alienated from their culture. Her music journey has remained rooted in culture.
Refusing to be relegated to the role of a mbira spectator, Mbuya Chiweshe was driven from within to convince her uncles and grandparents to teach her how to play the mbira.
After two years trying to persuade her uncles to teach her, she finally gained instruction from one of her mother’s uncles.
Her very first single in 1974, “Kasahwa” recorded at Teal Record Company, went gold.
Mbuya Chiweshe trained for stage work for five years from 1981-1985 with the National Dance Company of Zimbabwe.
She was a dancer, musician, actress and also took on other roles.
She integrated marimba with mbira in 1986, a ground-breaking innovation at the time. Mbuya Stella likens the 23 keys of her mbira to 23 voices.
She says the unwritten lyrics of songs can come through dreams and visions so deep that only few may understand them.
Mbira music has powerful spiritual qualities for those who appreciate Zimbabwean culture
