The Sunday Mail
Tambarimba Arts, in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), has embarked on a drive to promote the use of traditional instruments in schools around the country.
The association held its inaugural marimba festival in the capital last month. And the event was attended by more than 30 primary and secondary schools.
Following this, an initiative to revive traditional music from grassroots level across the nation was born.
Conservatives believe the rise in popularity of Zim-dancehall and foreign genres has put traditional music under threat. They argue traditional instruments like mbira, hosho, drums and marimba are no longer as popular as they were before the turn of the millennium.
Popularised by the likes of the late Dr Dumisani Maraire, Dr Thomas Mapfumo, Mbuya Stella Chiweshe and the late Chiwoniso Maraire, traditional music has always had a special place in Zimbabwe.
However, with technology changing rapidly, sophisticated methods of producing sounds have been invented. Keyboards can produce any sound and traditional instruments have been dumped in the process.
Only those perceived as old-fashioned have kept faith in instruments like marimba and mbira.
Last week, Tambarimba founder Don Chidavaenzi said his association, in consultation with various stakeholders that include the NACZ and the Zimbabwe College of Music, had come up with a national programme that was set to promote the use of traditional instruments in schools.
He said the programme was coming as a move to boost interest in traditional music among Zimbabweans.
“We have crafted a number of plans that will see interest in traditional music re-ignited following the success of our inaugural marimba festival for schools. Beginning next year, we will be holding provincial marimba festivals in schools throughout the year,” he said.
Winners from different provinces will meet for the national competition to be held in Harare. The event will feature participants from neighbouring countries like Namibia, Botswana and Zambia.
Recently, Zim-dancehall artiste and man-of-the-moment Tocky Vibes got tongues wagging after he introduced marimba on his set. To some, the move proved to be an epitome of ingenuity while others labelled it an identity crisis.
“The idea is to promote and protect our culture and heritage through the use of traditional instruments. Through the festivals, we will be imparting knowledge on the importance of using traditional instruments,” said Chidavaenzi.
As part of building momentum, the association has already began organising a number of events running under the theme “Bringing Marimba to Light”. Concerts and traditional playing lessons will be held throughout the country under the initiative.
According to Chidavaenzi, trainers from his association will begin to visit various schools imparting knowledge on instrument playing next year.
“Some schools are interested in having these activities at their schools but do not have personnel to train the students. This is why we have a created a platform whereby schools can get the instruments as well as trainers from us,” he said.
NACZ Harare provincial manager William Ndinde said the council supports any initiative aimed at developing the arts sector in the country.
He urged the business community to avail funding to the arts sector since it has the potential to contribute to the gross domestic product.
“Festivals of this nature help promote culture. We are in support of ideas that help grow the arts industry. Corporates should chip in so that plans succeed,” he said.
