The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
THE Duramazwi Mbira Ensemble has released a video of its new song titled “Gara Gara”.
Parts of the video were filmed at the monumental Mbuya Nehanda statue in Harare’s central business district.
Other parts of the video were shot in Mbare, a place that captivates the imagination.
The 10-member ensemble – which fuses mbira with traditional drums and gourds (hosho) – feature in the video donning fascinating traditional outfits.
The piercing and irresistible sound of the lead mbira (nheketo) and the prowess of veteran drummer Punish Kangazi is quite notable.
Gogo Sarudzai Jaravaza – leader of the ensemble, which represented Zimbabwe at the Dubai Expo 2020 – explained why she elected to shoot the video in a contemporary set-up.
“If you look at it closely, most mbira artistes prefer to shoot their videos in traditional huts and caves. This, in my view, gives the impression that mbira music is for those that live in remote rural areas.
“It is high time we debunk the thinking that mbira music is for those people that are still stuck in ancient times,” Gogo Jaravaza said.
“Gara Gara”, which is part of the group’s debut compilation album titled “Mavambo”, tackles social issues such as drug abuse and cultural erosion, among others.
An emotionally charged Gogo Jaravaza said real-life events pushed her to write the song.
“My neighbour’s children assaulted their father and after the assault, the father committed suicide.
“Every day, I see young people abusing drugs and committing dangerous crimes. The song is a plea to the ancestors to intervene and stop this madness,” she said.
“Chinyakare”, “Toisa Maoko” and “Musarasara” are some of the songs that are featured on “Mavambo”.
