The Sunday Mail
Prince Mushawevato
VIRIMAI “Vee Mhofu” Nhedega and the Dziva ReMbira Afro Mix Band delivered a scintillating performance during the just-ended Culture Week celebrations.
Culture Week is an annual event that provides the country an opportunity to celebrate and promote creativity and cultural diversity.
Vee Mhofu, who is riding on the crest of success of the group’s hit single “Mucheka Weretso”, was part of performances and exhibitions at Rainbow Towers in Harare.
“It is an honour to be part of such a prestigious national event. And, when you get an opportunity to be part of events of this magnitude, it is always wise to deliver your best,” he said.
The youthful Dziva ReMbira Afro Mix Band gave a five-star performance that left the Covid-19-compliant audience enthralled.
Their act began in the morning, stretching into the late afternoon.
The choreography, vocals and instrument blend were out of this world.
“I have a team that oozes positive energy. Besides, morale is high in the camp as our single ‘Mucheka Weretso’ is doing well on the market, and we are also set to launch our third 12-track album ‘Izwi Remvura’ on May 28,” said an ecstatic Vee Mhofu.
“I love and promote culture through my music and various cultural products like bute (snuff) and traditional herbs that are part of our merchandise.”
As per tradition, the Culture Week activities, which ran from May 15 to May 22, were hosted in all the country’s provinces, with virtual events lined up by various arts organisations.
The events were held in line with the existing Covid-19 health protocols that discourage gatherings.
The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development — celebrated every year on May 21 — coincided with our National Culture Commemoration Day, which was the climax of the week-long fete.
President Mnangagwa officiated at the official launch in Gokwe, Midlands, on Friday.
“The commemorations were critical as they promoted democracy, as well as observing the protection of diversity in cultural expressions in line with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) declaration,” said National Arts Council of Zimbabwe director Mr Nicholas Moyo.
This year’s Culture Week celebrations ran under the theme “Resilience in safeguarding creativity and cultural diversity”.
The theme was meant to recognise the resilience of the cultural and creative sector in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.
Meanwhile, the Dziva Rembira Afro Mix Band frontman said they are set to officially launch “Izwi Remvura” live on Zimpapers Television Network (ZTN) on Friday.
ZTN has of late become one of the leading platforms for album launches and other top events involving both upcoming and established artistes.
“We have agreed on all the modalities and the launch has been slated for May 28 at 7pm. It will be streamed live on ZTN and several other platforms that we will make public in due course,” revealed Vee Mhofu.
The album was jointly produced by Clive Mono Mukundu and Maselo (real name, Tapiwa Jera).
Some of the tracks to look out for on the forthcoming album include “Chiringazuva”, “Kamusiyano”, “Chido Chemoyo”, “Ndiri Wemusango”, “Tsotso” and “Kumakuwerere”.
“Mucheka Weretso” and “Rudo Rwengirozi” featuring Pah Chihera were previously released as singles but also feature on the new album.
“The album has four hardcore mbira tracks, while the remainder is Afro-fusion. However, I will be releasing a 100 percent mbira album this coming October,” he added.
Vee Mhofu perfected his mbira art during a four-year stint with the revered Mbira Dzenharira led by Tendai Gahamadze.
Dziva ReMbira Afro Mix Band was formed in 2007 in the communal area of Musana in Mashonaland Central.
