Murmures

Zimbabwe’s Belgium-based musician Ambuya Stella Chiweshe is in the country and will hold the first performance at the Zimbabwe Embassy in Lilongwe Saturday.

The second performance is on Sunday at Madsoc Theatre in Lilongwe and the last show comes to Blantyre at St Andrews International High School on April 25.

Ethnomusician Waliko Makhala, who will be sharing the stage with Chiweshe, describes her music as that which is more like a weapon.

“I just want to ask people to patronise her shows and they will not be disappointed. She is such an amazing artist. Her footprints are always leaving a cultural mark and her exploits speak volumes,” says Makhala.

He adds: “Her music speaks. Her music is a weapon and mightier that the sword.”

Makhala said Chiweshe will also spend time interacting with local artists through workshops.

“This is not all about performances but Ambuya’s visit is all about cultural exchange. We will have workshops in Lilongwe and Blantyre before the performances,” he said.

On her itinerary is also a visit to Chingalire Rural Growth Centre in Lilongwe on Tuesday which is a brainchild of singer and guitarist Ben Mankhamba.

Mankhamba, who is Village Headman Chingalire, established the Chingalire Rural Growth Centre with the aim of developing the area.

Among others, the centre has a library and a multipurpose hall where people in the area have time to read books but also showcase their different talents.

The Zimbabwean musician will be hosted to the Ngoni traditional dances at the Mzimba Heritage on May 1.

In addition to that, Ambuya will have visits to Dziwe La Nkhalamba, Lake Malawi and Kungoni Arts.

Chiweshe is internationally known for her singing and playing of the mbira dzavadzimu, a traditional instrument of the Shona people of Zimbabwe.

She is one of the few female players of the instrument, which she learned to play from 1966 to 1969 when even fewer females played the instrument.

The artist has performed numerous times in Germany and has also participated in the Womad Festival (1994 in the United States, 1995 in Australia, and 2006 in Spain).

In addition to performing as a soloist, she often performs in combination with guitars. She has also organised an international women’s music festival in Zimbabwe.

The artist has released several albums and they include Ambuya? , Kumusha, Shungu, Healing Tree: Best of Stella Chiweshe, Talking Mbira: Spirits of Liberation, Double Check and Chakandiwana