*A VOICE FROM THE SPIRITS: MUSEKIWA CHINGODZA`S MBIRA LEGACY* Join our community for more updates https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vai0FQJ11ulJHRRO3r0l *Mbira Maestro from Murehwa* *Introduction:* Musekiwa Chingodza is a celebrated Zimbabwean mbira player, singer, dancer, and drummer, born on November 6, 1970, in Mwangara village, Murewa, Zimbabwe. His remarkable musical journey was divinely ordained, and this evidenced by the extraordinary circumstances that led him to play the Mbira. This unique music instrument is deeply rooted in Zimbabwe’s rich Cultural Heritage. At a tender age, he was mysteriously guided to play the mbira by a voice that spoke through a traditional healer, proclaiming, _*"Ndini Chingodza, ndoda Mbira dzangu"*_ (I am Chingodza, I want my mbira). This utterance became a moment that marked the beginning of his mbira-playing career, which was further nurtured by his performances at the revered Biri-NaGanyire`s shrine. The shrine is of the renowned spirit medium in Zimbabwe and that is where he played mbira at an astonishingly young age. His performances demonstrated a natural talent and spiritual connection to the instrument. These performances have been refined over the years through dedication, hard work, and a deep passion for Zimbabwe's cultural traditions. All of these intricate executions have contributed to his reputation as one of the most exceptional mbira players of his generation. *Early Life:* Musekiwa Chingodza's early life was marked by a profound spiritual experience that shaped his destiny as a renowned mbira player, singer, dancer, and drummer. Musekiwa Chingodza of Mhofu Nyakudirwa totem, was born in Mwangara village, Murewa, Zimbabwe. He grew up surrounded by a family deeply rooted in traditional healing and mbira playing. His father, George Kajawu Chingodza, was a respected traditional healer and mbira player from Murewa. His grandfather was also a revered traditional healer and mbira player. Musekiwa's mother, Esnart Gadaga from Devedzo, Chizawana, was a constant source of inspiration and guidance. He even lovingly pays tribute to her in many of his songs. Musekiwa began his education at Manjonjo Primary School in Murewa, attending from 1980 to 1987. He then attended Mabika Secondary School in Murewa from 1987 to 1991, completing his secondary and high school education. Historically, Musekiwa experienced a prolonged illness the family struggled to treat despite their vast exposure, experience and expertise in traditional healing, they could not find a cure. However, his aunt took him to Hore, a traditional healer, in desperation. During the visit, a spirit spoke through the healing process. The spirit proclaimed, "Ndini Chingodza, ndoda Mbira dzangu" (I am Chingodza, I want my mbira). This declaration marked the beginning of Musekiwa's mbira-playing career. His grandfather recognized the divine calling and handed him the mbira. A Bira ceremony was conducted which welcomed Musekiwa into the world of mbira playing. This event marked the start of his musical journey and recovery, while the Mbira playing awakened a deep healing power within him. He began to play with remarkable skill, earning recognition as one of the most exceptional mbira players. His talents were acknowledged at the revered Biri-NaGanyire Shrine, where he played among 16 powerful mbira players. Musekiwa's skills were unmistakable, despite being self-taught. His playing is a testament to divine inspiration and his deep connection to his cultural heritage. *Local and International Status:* Musekiwa Chingodza is a leading figure in Zimbabwe's rich Cultural Heritage. He is a renowned mbira teacher, singer, dancer, drummer, and player of mbira dzavadzimu and nyunga nyunga. Musekiwa has shared his expertise with students at Prince Edward School in Harare and other private schools. At Prince Edward he taught from 1994-2008 under the Music Department. He has collaborated with numerous prominent musicians, including Mukanya Ephat Mujuru and Samuel Mujuru. Other notable collaborations include Mbuya Stella Chiweshe, Thomas Mapfumo, and Benita Tarupiwa (Negombwe). He has also worked with Mondreck Muchena, Sekuru Wilfred Nyamasvisva Mafrika, and Luken Pasi-Pamire. Additional collaborations include Gift Rushambwa, Sekuru Garikai Tiriko, Nyuton Gwara Matemai, Mukanya Jecob Mafuleni, and Aluice Mutinhiri. Through these collaborations, Musekiwa has cemented his reputation as a master mbira player and cultural ambassador. He has also performed on the global stage as he carried regular international tours in France, Japan, and the United States as a cultural ambassador. Musekiwa has captivated audiences worldwide with his mesmerizing performances. He has collaborated with international artists, including Jennifer Kyker. Together, they released the acclaimed CD titled Tsunga. He managed to collaborate with Bud Cohen. Musekiwa has also released solo albums, including VaChingodza Budai Pachena and Kutema Musasa. These albums have solidified his reputation as a master mbira player and composer. With a career spanning over three decades, Musekiwa has been a key member of the band Panjea. He composed the hit song Ganda for the band's Zimbabwean album. Musekiwa has been featured on numerous recordings, showcasing his creativity and dedication to preserving Zimbabwe's Cultural Heritage. *Discography:* Musekiwa Chingodza's discography is a testament to his prolific career as a renowned mbira player, singer, and composer, with a wide range of albums that showcase his musical versatility and depth. His solo discography includes: • VaChingodza Budai Pachena (2004) • Kutema Musasa (2005) • Chemutengure Live In Santa Cruz (2012) • Nhemamusasa Chingodza Budai Pachena (2004) • Nhema Musasa (2020) In addition to his solo work, Musekiwa has also collaborated with other artists on several albums, including: • Tsunga (2001) with Hungwe • Muronda Tsimba (2009) with Hungwe • Tomutenda Mambo (2010) with Mhofela • Kudya Zvekukwata: Eating at Other People's Houses (2011) with Steve Spitalny • Muzazananda (2017) with Tute Chigamba, Irene Chigamba, and Ngonidzashe Chingodza • Tauya Kune Vamwe (2017) with Sumi Madzitateguru. All of these albums demonstrate Musekiwa's commitment to preserving and promoting Zimbabwe's rich Cultural Heritage. Above all, the albums also showcase his sagacious innovative spirit and ability to collaborate with artists from diverse musical backgrounds. *Musekiwa `s message to all Mbira Players:* Musekiwa Chingodza urges all mbira players to approach their craft with reverence, humility, and respect, while recognizing that mbira music is a sacred expression of their Cultural Heritage, imbued with healing properties and spiritual power. He encourages players to celebrate each other's talents, support one another, and strive to create music that uplifts, heals, and brings people together, rather than competing or envying one another, and to honour their sacred tradition and precious heritage that has the power to transform lives and bring people closer to their spiritual selves. *Compliled by ~ Charles Mavhunga.* *Contact info* email : *[email protected]* *NB: CHARLES MAVHUNGA IS A ZICH RESEARCH OFFICER WHO CO-AUTHORED TEXTBOOKS IN BUSINESS by ENTERPRISING SKILLS (BES) AND IS CURRENTLY STUDYING FOR A Ph.D. IN MANAGEMENT AT BINDURA UNIVERSITY.* Follow us on:- *FACEBOOK* *@Zimbabwe Intangible Cultural Heritage* https://www.facebook.com/share/17zXZ2WNmG/?mibextid=wwXIfr *INSTAGRAM* @ *ZICH TV MEDIA* https://www.instagram.com/zichtvmedia/profilecard/?igsh=d3N3ZmlkbTZ4a3E= *TIKTOK* *@ zichtvmedia* https://www.tiktok.com/@zichtvmedia?_t=ZG-8srTiO9lFYH&_r=1 *YOUTUBE* *@ ZICH TV* https://youtube.com/@zichtvmedia?feature=shared 🔄🔄🔄Share our Articles and documentaries with Family and friends