MOUDZANA UDZANA: Bira ReMbira Pays Tribute to Mbuya Stella Chiweshe Despite Low Turnout

By Mpundu Valerie

The third edition of the annual Bira reMbira Festival was held at Glamis Arena in Harare on Friday, September 25, as a musical vigil celebrating the life and legacy of legendary mbira musician Ambuya Stella Chiweshe. The event was staged as part of Zimbabwe’s Mbira Month, an initiative celebrating the country’s mbira heritage and its continuing influence on Zimbabwean music and culture.

The vigil featured top traditional and contemporary acts including Victor Kunonga, Feli Nandi, Tatu Maluba, Andy Muridzo, Kurai Makore, Diana Samkange, Mbira Dzepadombo and other cultural ensembles.

Turnout and Technical Hitches

Despite free entry, the venue saw a minimal turnout in football terms, we could say there were acres of space. Everybody was offside. It was arguably one of the lowest turnouts in the promoter's career.

To add to the slow start, the sound system struggled to project during the early performances, much to the dismay of bona fide mbira fanatics who could be heard calling for the engineer. Performers had to briefly step off stage while the issue was resolved.

However, credit must go to the MC who held the program together, keeping those present on their feet and fully engaged. Victor Kunonga, who performed before the sound glitch, gave a solid and spirited set.

For those who attended, the initial challenges did not overshadow the purpose of the gathering. The performances provided an opportunity for musicians and fans to celebrate Chiweshe’s contribution to Zimbabwean music while highlighting the enduring place of the mbira in contemporary cultural expression. Although the event faced logistical challenges and a disappointing turnout, the audience that remained engaged responded positively to the performances.

The evening ultimately became less about numbers and more about those who had gathered to honour one of Zimbabwe’s most distinctive musical voices. The festival was held with the backing of the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture and the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ). It was promoted by Partson “Chipaz” Chimbodza through Chipaz Promotions, with Benjamin Nyandoro, popularly known as Nyamasvisva, serving as the main coordinator.

Musician Diana “Mangwenya” Samkange also participated as both a performer and co-promoter. The third edition of Bira reMbira therefore ended on a mixed note a technically challenging and sparsely attended event, but one that succeeded in keeping its central purpose alive: celebrating mbira music and honouring the legacy of Ambuya Stella Chiweshe.

Bira reMbira Festival