Manzungu records mbira and marimba fusion album

Dumisani Ncube | Thursday August 24, 2017 16:33

 

The music teacher at North Side Primary School has recorded an organic fusion of mbira and marimba album dubbed Chivaraidze a musical genre, which he has named ‘Marimbira’ derived from marimba and mbira. The album carries organic traditional music, which is not a common genre by local musicians. The only electronic instrument that can be heard on the music pieces is the guitar that is played on a number of tracks. The songs are in Setswana and Shona. “There hasn’t been much of the fusion of these instruments in the main music stream. I have always believed in making hardcore authentic music,” said Manzungu. 

The 37-year-old believes that the album will go global as the music represents African music through the instruments used.  Since it is an organic music album, the songs carry messages that range from story telling to love stories. “The mission is to promote African instruments. It bounces back to us as Africans if we don’t promote our music. Who will promote our instruments?”

He stated that it has taken him long to release the album due to his job that has taken most of his time since he is passionate about it. ”I recorded some of the songs as far as 2008”. With only a few weeks, the album is being distributed regionally and Manzungu is working on an album launch event logistics. “I am working on coming up with a band that I will be performing with at different gigs. I am also looking forward for collaborations.” Manzungu has also been working as a facilitator at musical events such as Thornhill Marimba Festival.

He has worked with a number of artists as an instrumentalist at different events such as My African Dream, Jazz X change and Umoja. As a music teacher, he has mentored a number of young musicians. The likes of Khaya Groth have passed through his mentorship.