Mhla’phela’mandla |
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Teacher: Michael Sibanda |
My marimba arrangement of the popular song by a South African group called Malaika that lands itself well on the Zimbabwean marimbas. With the Zulu language a relative dialect to Ndebele, the song was also popular in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, where most of the Ndebele reside. The arrangement has a very melodious soprano part accompanied by very rhythmic tenor, baritone and bass parts. |
Chachimurenga |
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Teacher: Clayton Gunguwo |
The popular song by the late Ambuya Stella Chiweshe, meaning it’s now a “revolution” or “struggle.” We will learn various parts of the song and how they interlock, adding variations as time allows. Participants in this workshop are invited to perform in the Festival Highlights show at 4:40 p.m. Sunday Aug 6 if available. |
Ncuzu |
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Teacher: MyLinda King |
This song was composed by Dumi Maraire and was inspired by a Ndebele dance called “Ingquzu.” The piece starts slowly, like a train leaving the station, and then gathers speed simply and bursts into more complex rhythms. |
Zvipo Zvamwari |
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Teacher: Karin Tauscher |
Based on the nyunga nyunga mbira and choral version of this song I learned from Sheasby Matiure, “Zvipo Zvamwari” is a beautiful song advising people to use their gifts in the best way possible (literally, “use your God-given gifts to praise God”). The marimba arrangement translates melodic and rhythmic lines from the nyunga nyunga and singing onto marimba to create a fun and interesting piece suitable for novice marimba players. If time allows, we will add some singing too. |
Shumba |
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Teacher: Eli Calalang-LaCroix |
“Shumba” means “The Lion” and is an mbira-style song. I am teaching an arrangement of the song using the parts put on marimba by Jake Roberts, as well as some additional call and response lines based on singing that I developed with the band Mutswi Wambuya. |
Kariga Mombe |
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Teacher: Erica Azim |
In this introduction to mbira, learn to hold the mbira and strike the keys correctly, as well as learning to play the piece traditionally taught first. “Kariga Mombe” means “one who can throw a bull to the ground” or “undefeatable.” We’ll start with the easy way the piece is taught to children in Zimbabwe and then learn the full kushaura (and kutsinhira if time allows). The workshop will be taught for first-timers but all are welcome. |
Shangara Drumming |
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Teacher: Tendayi Kusaya |
In this workshop I will teach shangara, which is the drumming people play after harvesting their crops. It goes with a dance. It is done to praise their harvest and appreciate what the farm produces for them. |
Motherland Voices |
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Teacher: Tsungai Tsikirai |
Specially picked wedding, roora, celebratory and ceremony songs from the motherland. A journey through childhood, adulthood and parenthood in Zimbabwe with each song telling a story about the expectations from our elders and the dilemma of wanting to please the community vs. oneself. |
Botsotsi |
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Teacher: Michael Sibanda |
My own composition which I taught at Zimfest back in 2005 and has since been popular with a lot of bands in the US. A revisit to “Botsotsi” with new variations but still maintaining the vibey and energetic feel. |
Chipembere (Rhino Song) |
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Teacher: Danmore Kusaya |
In this workshop participants will learn how to play the song “Chipembere.” This song will be taught in the chimurenga style of playing and requires an advanced skill level. |
Majaira |
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Teacher: Clayton Gunguwo |
“Majaira” is a traditional social commentary song about lazy people who come to ask for food during harvest time. Participants will learn various interlocking parts and a generic arrangement. |
Mhondoro |
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Teacher: Jeff Brahe |
“Mhondoro” is a well-known song for the mhande drum rhythm and it works great on marimba. This arrangement is not too difficult but still very exciting! The arrangement includes drumming and vocals. |
Introduction to Matepe |
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Teacher: Othnell Moyo |
Matepe, also called hera, is the mbira type played in eastern Zimbabwe and parts of Mozambique in which the overtones play an important part. Othnell will discuss the traditional functions and spirituality of the instrument and teach a beginning song utilizing the complex matepe playing style (both thumbs and forefingers!). |
Kuzanga |
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Teacher: Mudavanhu Magaya |
Muda will welcome newcomers to the art of mbira by giving an explanation of the instrument and how it is played. He will then introduce a simple kushaura part for the song “Kuzanga,” one of the most accessible to beginning students. |
Multi-Instrumental Ensemble |
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Teacher: Zivanai Masango |
This workshop is open to all instrumentalists and vocalists who would like to learn how “popular” music from Zimbabwe and Southern Africa is put together and performed. Participants can bring any instrument, with the requirement that they be fairly proficient at their instrument, or have been studying their instrument seriously for at least a year and a half. Participants will learn rhythms and melodies from popular or traditional Zimbabwean songs with the goal of ending up with a fully developed song. This is a very fun process and will be beneficial for musicians of different backgrounds and levels of ability. |
Introduction to Hosho |
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Teacher: MyLinda King |
This is absolutely beginning hosho! The trick to good hosho playing is the right combination of crispy and swishy. We will learn three patterns that will allow you to accompany any song. The focus will be on body mechanics and relaxed movements. |
Gumboot Dance |
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Teacher: Ted Wright |
Rubber boots dancing from the mines of South Africa |
Culture as Social Glue |
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Teacher: Tapiwa Kapurura |
There is an art behind the secrets of the Zimbabwean culture. There is power in music, food and love in driving the culture to keep it united and stronger. Why are people happy despite overwhelming challenges in their communities? How do they keep the music going when they do not have written archives? How do they push on when there is so much on their hands? What are the themes behind the music and their cultural traits? How do they manage to remain united and still be able to practice their culture effectively in the face of overwhelming Western civilization? |
Malaika |
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Teacher: Michael Sibanda |
“Malaika” is a Swahili song by Fadhili William Mdawida, made popular by Miriam Makeba. Back in the day this piece was part of the repertoire for most Zimbabwean marimba bands. My arrangement brings in opportunities for the advanced player to explore melodic and rhythmic improvisations. |
Sarura Wako |
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Teacher: Napoleon Jambwa |
This lovers’ song is a must learn for all marimba lovers. Recap of the Jerusalem dance song. |
Banolila |
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Teacher: Clayton Gunguwo |
“Bonolila” is a contemporary song about when children cry. The song consists of three parts with two breaks. |
Amai |
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Teacher: Ted Wright |
“Amai” means “mother” in the chiShona language of Zimbabwe; this song celebrates all our mothers. A driving Dumi-style piece with a running lead, it also has some fun breaks. |
Guitar |
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Teacher: Zivanai Masango |
Learn from the master! This workshop is open to guitar players at any level. |
Mutamba |
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Teacher: Mudavanhu Magaya |
Muda will teach kushaura and kutsinhira parts to this beautiful song,”Mutamba.” |
Beginning Drumming |
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Teacher: Sheree Seretse |
Come learn some traditional drum patterns from Zimbabwe. The class will focus on basic and cross rhythms plus technique on playing. |
Hota (Seeds inside the Hosho) |
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Teacher: Danmore Kusaya |
Throughout the workshop different types of hosho playing will be taught along with singing. There will be a discussion about how important hosho is in the Shona culture. |
Wosana Dance |
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Teacher: Othnell Moyo |
Introduction to wosana, rainmaking music and dance from the Kalanga-speaking people of southwest Zimbabwe and eastern Botswana. The workshop will look at the singing, clapping, drumming and the movement. |
Taura/Khuluma |
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Teacher: Tsungai Tsikirai |
Introduction to Shona and Ndebele language, focusing on simple communication. This workshop will enable the participants to learn words, sentences and gestures that will make it easy for them to interact with Ndebele or Shona speaking individuals. This is also an opportunity to learn a different language which will become handy should you visit Zimbabwe. |
Mbube |
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Teacher: B’Elanna Rhodehamel |
“Mbube,” the Zulu word for lion, is a powerful and captivating song that has captured the hearts of music lovers around the world. This iconic tune, also popularly known as “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” was written by Solomon Linda and originally performed by his acapella group Solomon Linda and The Evening Birds. With both a slow and a fast section, this arrangement captures the essence of the original piece while infusing it with new life and energy. |
Tenda |
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Teacher: Caleb Donahue |
“Tenda” is a song meaning “to give thanks.” This workshop will include both marimba and optional singing. |
Chiro Chacho |
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Teacher: MyLinda King |
“Chiro Chacho” is a wedding song from the the Manicaland province. In 1993 MyLinda King and Peter Swing arranged this song for marimbas, basing their version off the 1977 recording by Dumi and the Minanzi Marimba Ensemble. A complete arrangement including developed lead and vocals will be taught. The vocals to “Chiro Chacho” are included in the song anthology Let Your Voices Be Heard. |
Rhythmic Fundamentals |
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Teacher: Daniel Lockley |
In this workshop, we are going to learn some exercises that will transform our understanding of the rhythmic building blocks that make up so much of the music that we know and love. If time permits, we will even write our own song using what we’ve learned! |
Moto Mugomo |
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Teacher: Ted Wright |
This is a fun song to play, with a slightly longer than usual call/reponse pattern plus singing. The lyrics refer to a mysterious fire on the mountain (“moto mugomo” in Zimbabwe’s chiShona language). |
Mbira Introduction |
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Teacher: Danmore Kusaya |
This workshop is geared toward an absolute beginner: you who is starting your mbira learning journey, you who have kept mbira at arm’s length because it is “intimidating,” and you who play one or two songs but need a deeper understanding of the cultural aspects of mbira. In accessible language, I will explore mbira with you, focusing on theories of mbira music from a Chivanhu perspective, mbira culture, types of mbira, styles of playing, and the million-dollar question, “Where is the BEAT?”. I will also respond to your questions and you will walk away with a song to play, guaranteed. |
Baya Wabaya (Mukazondidana) |
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Teacher: Erica Azim |
Learn a mbira piece with a different beat, in a style learned from the Mujuru family. After learning kushaura, the group will decide whether to add kutsinhira or singing. |
Mbira Ensemble Performance |
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Teacher: Jennifer Kyker |
What happens when we sit down to play mbira together? We will focus on enhancing our ability to participate in the rich ensemble dynamics that make mbira performance so satisfying. We will focus on various aspects of mbira performance, starting from the interplay between kushaura, kutsinhira and hosho playing. We will also talk about facilitating participation, from ensemble seating arrangements to the layering of call and response singing and polyrhythmic handclapping. We will focus on”Kariga Mombe” and “Taireva”; participants who already know mbira parts to either song should come prepared to play! |
Ngororombe |
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Teacher: Othnell Moyo |
Ngororombe panpipes (similar to the nyanga in Mozambique) are commonly played by a group standing and dancing in a circle, who alternate ngororombe notes with vocables. Each simple part hockets with others to combine into a rich full sound. Othnell will teach the style he learned in Nyamapanda in northeastern Zimbabwe, culminating with dance steps as time allows. |
Shona Traditions and Ceremonies |
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Teacher: Mudavanhu Magaya |
Focusing on Shona traditions and ceremonies for the passing of family members, Muda will share stories and descriptions of funerals, kurova guva and related traditions in Shona families. |
Chemtengure |
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Teacher: Michael Sibanda |
My arrangement of “Chemtengure” for beginners playing Zimbabwe music for the first time or teachers wanting to introduce it to their students. An exciting arrangement that introduces the playing of polyrhythms to beginner students, broken down to look simple. |
Hukuineronda (Chicken With Wounds) |
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Teacher: Tendayi Kusaya |
In this workshop I will be teaching the meaning of Hukuineronda. There is a story behind it of a man who married a lot of wives, and the wives were jealous of each other. Another wife wounded the chicken of the elder wife. I will be teaching the different parts to play on each marimba. |
Chipindura |
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Teacher: Nathan Beck |
In this workshop, we’ll focus on a marimba arrangement of the mbira song “Chipindura.” This arrangement is inspired by the mbira version played by Ambuya Beauler Dyoko. If time permits, we’ll also look at adapting the song for smaller ensembles (trios or quartets). |
EKwanongoma |
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Teacher: Maria Minnaar-Bailey |
“EKwanongoma” means “at Kwanongoma”. It was composed by the late Alport Mhlanga in the early 1970s. Sekuru Alport Mhlanga became the marimba director of Kwanongoma College of African Music in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, when that college was only a few years old. This tune is one of the classics of Zimbabwean marimba music that every player should know, not just because of its history but also because it is a fun, upbeat song that really captures the audience! There will be some very easy singing as well as marimba playing. |
Kukaiwa on Nyunga Nyunga |
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Teacher: Sheree Seretse |
“Kukaiwa” which means “to be bothered, tickled and inspired” is one of the beginning songs taught to students who would like to take the music journey to learn nyunga nyunga. This song is a composition by Dr. Dumisani Maraire. |
Chipendani |
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Teacher: Ted Wright |
Once common in Zimbabwe, the chipendani is a single-string mouthbow played by plucking the string and shaping the oral cavity and lips to create harmonic overtones. Usually played by itself, the soft, melodic sounds can create a meditative effect in the player, who can also hum or sing along. We’ll spend some time learning techniques to create sound on the chipendani, and then learn to play a simple song. |
Chinya-Mhande Drumming |
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Teacher: Napoleon Jambwa |
I’ll teach how to play chinyambera and mhande drumming, and then fuse them together at the end to create chinya-mhande drumming. |
Dance Therapy |
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Teacher: Tsungai Tsikirai |
Dance is an underestimated therapy for the mind, body and spirit. This workshop has three simple requirements: 1. Know your left from your right. 2. Be willing to get it wrong, a few times. 3. Confidence is key. This will be a mix of African traditional dance, rhumba and amapiano (a subgenre of South African house music) making it a great workshop for people of all ages. |
Bangidza Singing |
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Teacher: Erica Azim |
There are so MANY versions of Bangidza played on mbira and marimba! We’ll start with learning singing that goes well with the Boka marimba style of Bangidza. I learned this singing from the late ‘Matemayi’ Newton Cheza Chozengwa (then Newton Gwara) long ago. If time permits, we’ll add other Bangidza singing from the late Charles Dutiro (brother of Chartwell) that includes Shona proverbs. |
Kukosha Kwakita Mimhanzi Mudzimbahwe/Mitupo |
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Teacher: Danmore Kusaya |
How important Is the music in Zimbabwe? What are totems? In this presentation Dan will discuss how music is the underlying force in Zimbabwean culture, what is the meaning of totems and why the Shona people have them. |
Odoli |
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Teacher: Michael Sibanda |
It is always a privilege and an honour to have been one of the late Dr. Alport Mhlanga’s students at Kwanongoma College of Music. His piece “Odoli” is special to me in his memory as I played lead soprano for the performances he led. The piece has a busy soprano part that is accompanied by syncopating tenor, baritone and bass parts. This song is a good workout. |
Mhondoro |
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Teacher: Clayton Gunguwo |
This traditional song describes the spirits drinking water from rivers Save and Zambezi. Participants for this workshop will learn various interlocking parts, clapping parts and basic mhande dance. |
Taking Your Lead Playing Further |
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Teacher: Jeff Brahe |
This workshop is for intermediate to advanced players who want to play better lead marimba. Many decent lead players are missing some key concepts that would take their playing to a much higher level, and others feel like they don’t know where to go besides playing exactly what was taught to them. Others can improvise all kinds of melodies, but don’t know how to play in an authentic style for Shona music. We will use practical examples and exercises to address as many of these issues as time allows, so that your lead playing can blast past all current obstacles! |
Baba Munini Francis |
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Teacher: Patrick Latimer |
“Baba Munini Francis” by the Bhundu Boys (listen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49Eg03FxPHI) is my go-to windows-rolled-down anthem for warm summer afternoon drives. I’ve tried to capture its infectious groove and memorable lines in this marimba arrangement, with lots of room for variations and general rocking out. |
Tadzungaira: Deep Solo Style |
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Teacher: Erica Azim |
“Tadzungaira” (aka “Todzungaira”) is a prayer to end suffering. It will be taught in a complex style on mavembe/gandanga tuning, great for going deep with solo playing, as learned from Samaita Vitalis Botsa. |
Chipindura |
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Teacher: Mudavanhu Magaya |
Muda will teach the song “Chipindura” (things are changing) as it is played in the Magaya family. He will teach both kushaura and kutsinhira parts. |
Bulawayo Township Drumming |
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Teacher: Othnell Moyo |
An introduction to Bulawayo hand drumming rhythms from the time when the city was a new settlement until the early 2000s. The workshop will start with the rhythms and seal it off with a combination of drumming, four-part harmony singing and a dance, giving the participants a glimpse of Bulawayo’s high-density suburbs. Othnell wrote a book called Ngoma Rhythms & Songs and the participants can get a copy at the workshop. Participants in this workshop are invited to perform in the Festival Highlights show at 4:25 p.m. Sunday Aug 6 if available. |
Mbira Hosho Technique |
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Teacher: Jennifer Kyker |
Through step-by-step instruction, participants in this workshop will learn to play mbira-style hosho. We will address issues such as selecting a good pair of hosho, holding the hosho properly to produce the desired sound, playing mechanics for each hand, overall coordination, and the distinctive micro-timing that lends the hosho its unique swing. We will pay special attention to how hosho playing relates to the interlocking kushaura and kutsinhira parts typical of mbira ensemble performance. Finally, we will discuss how both the signature rhythmic pattern of mbira-style hosho and the instrument’s distinctive timbre make the instrument so indispensible to mbira ensemble performance, and a sonic icon of Zimbabwean music culture. Bring a Chingodza family or Magaya family tuning mbira if you have one, so that we can experiment with playing hosho in ensemble contexts. |
Memeza Ma |
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Teacher: Maria Minnaar-Bailey |
“Memeza ma” in the Zulu language of South Africa means “cry out.” This emotional song by the late South African singer/songwriter Brenda Fassie is about how it feels to be the victim of gun violence or war. This choral piece is mostly in four parts, occasionally five parts. The lead part may be a little tricky, but the response part is very easy. Anyone can learn it and everyone is welcome. |
Mugove |
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Teacher: Michael Sibanda |
“Mugove” is a hit song released in 1996 by Leonard Zhakata, a famous musician in Zimbabwe. The marimba arrangement has a very melodious soprano part accompanied by syncopating tenor, baritone and bass parts. The piece changes gear midway. |
Paushamwari |
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Teacher: Blessing Bled Chimanga |
I will teach one of my advanced contemporary songs (“Paushamwari”). This is a song I composed in 2017. It became one of the biggest songs to be learnt by advanced school bands in Zimbabwe, also being chosen to be the song taught and performed with an accompanying orchestra in Argentina in 2017. The song has 4 sections with different polyrhythms and interesting time signatures. In the same class I will also share practice techniques that I use together with some warmup exercises that I teach. |
Chachimurenga |
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Teacher: Clayton Gunguwo |
The popular song by the late Ambuya Stella Chiweshe, meaning it’s now a “revolution” or “struggle.” We will learn various parts of the song and how they interlock, adding variations as time allows. Participants in this workshop are invited to perform in the Festival Highlights show at 4:40 p.m. Sunday Aug 6 if available. |
Kupera Kwevanhu |
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Teacher: Zivanai Masango |
The class will learn a Thomas Mapfumo song in the Mhande style. |
Butsu Mutandari |
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Teacher: Sheree Seretse |
Butsu Mutandari means “my dancing shoes”. This popular song from Zimbabwe is played on marimba, mbira and guitar. This upbeat song has parts that make one want to dance. If times permits we will learn some some singing. |
Mahororo |
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Teacher: Mudavanhu Magaya |
Muda will teach the classic traditional version of “Mahororo” as taught to him by his father, Cosmas Magaya. He will begin with the kushaura part and move on to the kutsinhira if time permits. |
Ngoma DzemuZimbabwe |
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Teacher: Othnell Moyo |
Master percussionist Othnell Moyo will introduce the drum rhythms of the ten provinces of Zimbabwe. He will speak of their origins and purposes and add a song and a few movements as accompaniment. |
Hosho |
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Teacher: Danmore Kusaya |
Geared towards hosho players who want to fine-tune and add flair to their playing, this workshop will do precisely that. We will also explore hosho rhythms for mhande and jerusarema. |
Chinyambera (Hunters Dance) |
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Teacher: Napoleon Jambwa |
We’ll learn the basic steps of this traditional hunter’s dance. I’ll also add some original variations of the dance before it became westernized. |
Yimba/Cula |
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Teacher: Tsungai Tsikirai |
Choral singing in Ndebele, Shona and English. Participants in this workshop are invited to perform in the Festival Highlights show at 4:10 p.m. Sunday Aug 6 if available. |
Chitsidzo |
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Teacher: Patrick Latimer |
Jonah Moyo & Devera Ngwena Jazz Band quickly became one of my favorite Zim bands after I was exposed to the sungura style when I played with the band Wagogo in Albuquerque. Their penchant for ridiculously cool basslines, melodic interplay and clever arrangements are on full display in the song “Chitsidzo” off the Oversize album. The marimba arrangement uses both the bass and baritone marimbas to cover the bass guitar part and maps vocal harmonies and lead guitar shredding onto higher marimbas. |
Intombi Yami |
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Teacher: Maria Minnaar-Bailey |
Intombi Yami means “my girl” in the Ndebele language of Zimbabwe. In this upbeat marimba piece, you will learn some typical rhythms and chord patterns that may be found in Zimbabwean songs. I learned this song from Kwanongoma students in Bulawayo in the 1970’s. There are 3 exciting drum rhythms that can be used with this piece, and if time allows, we will learn those as well. |
Malayika (Beautiful African Queen) |
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Teacher: Tendayi Kusaya |
In this workshop, I will be teaching how to play marimba and a little bit of singing in kiSwahili. This song is my own creation from the influence of the Shona marimba music. |
Mbavarira |
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Teacher: Erica Azim |
Try mavembe/gandanga tuning if you haven’t played it before! Or learn this gorgeous piece if you don’t know it yet on your mavembe mbira. “Mbavarira” means “Determination.” |
Muka Tiende Singing |
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Teacher: Jennifer Kyker |
Jennifer Kyker wil teach Joyce Warikandwa’s version of Mukai Tiende vocals. Joyce: I will share my lyrical composition to the mbira piece “Muka Tiende.” We will learn both kushaura and kutsinhira vocal parts. You would be able to sing these parts when playing marimba as well. |
