Internationally acclaimed mbira queen Ambuya Stella Chiweshe gave a stunning performance at the Book Café over the weekend.
The “Chave Chimurenga” hitmaker dazzled mbira lovers of mixed races with her hits that left fans begging for more.Clad in a whiote dress, the songstress — who now lives in Berlin, Germany — started off with the song “Mazarura”.
She then followed it up with songs “Uya Uzoona”, “Ndirere”, “Chave Chimurenga” and “Chakauya” among others, which got the crowd dancing and singing along.
Mbira DzeNharira were the first on stage and ushered music fans into the realm of the spirit with their soothing songs which include “Ndoenda Kwambuya”, “Chongoruma”, “Kunyeperana”, “Zamu RaMbuya Nehanda” among others.
The mbira outfit frontman, Tendai Gahamadze, said they are working on a new album set to be released next month.
“We are working on our upcoming album yet to be titled which carries seven tracks and we hope to release it end of July.
“We are going to continue with shows as we keep growing stronger and stronger,” he said.
For long, Ambuya Chiweshe has been at the helm among mbira artistes, with a long musical journey which has seen her commanding respect both at home and on the international scene.
Ambuya Chiweshe is also set to launch the “Chivanhu Trust” which seeks to reignite the spirit and passion for Zimbabwe’s cultural legacy, especially amongst the youths.
While based in Germany for many years, Ambuya Chiweshe has been coming home every year to perform and participate in the arts projects.
In the last three years, she has been a regular act at the Book Café where patrons had the honour to see her performing alongside the other renowned female mbira queens like the late Chiwoniso Maraire.
(Article originally appeared in The Herald)
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