By Rangarirai Shanyurai
The Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust certified 14 artists in traditional instrument making at Bethany House on November 29, following a successful workshop where participants built three marimba instruments over two days.
The initiative, funded by the European Union, aimed to empower young artists, including those with disabilities, through professional training in the music business, as well as marimba and mbira instrument making.
The Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust envisions a world where culture and the arts, rich in African heritage, thrive sustainably and contribute to wealth creation for African societies.
Traditional instrument makers from various parts of Zimbabwe—including Binga, Harare, Bulawayo, Masvingo, and Mutare—attended the workshop. During the training, the participants formed a band and named it the African Musical Instrument Association (AMIA).
Speaking at the event, Culture Fund Founder and Creative Director Shadreck Jeche emphasized the importance of collaboration, skill development, and cultural preservation among African instrument makers.
“We aim to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among African musical instrument artisans, thereby elevating the quality and standardization of African instruments in Zimbabwe.
“We facilitate the exchange of traditional and innovative techniques among artisans, provide opportunities for skill development and capacity building, and promote the use of high-quality materials and standardized production processes.
“As an organization, we explore new markets and opportunities for African instrument makers while safeguarding the cultural heritage and identity embedded in African musical instruments,” said Jeche.
Jeche expressed gratitude for the African Musical Instruments Builders Exchange Workshop, highlighting the shared ideas, connections made, and renewed commitment to preserving African music and cultural heritage.
“This gathering has been a testament to the power of collaboration, the richness of our cultural heritage, and the boundless potential of human creativity.
“Over the past days, we have witnessed a vibrant exchange of ideas, skills, and experiences. Each instrument, each sound, and each rhythm carries the spirit of our ancestors and the hopes of future generations. By preserving and promoting these instruments, we are preserving the soul of our continent.
“As we part ways, let us carry the spirit of this workshop with us. Let us continue to collaborate, innovate, and inspire. Together, we can build a brighter future for African music,” said Jeche.
One of the beneficiaries, Josiah Marange, shared what he learned during the workshop.
“From this workshop, I learned how to build a marimba, including the specific type of wood to use, which is the Mukwa tree. This tree is hard and resistant to insects. I also learned how to tune the marimba keys and resonators.
“We were advised to use the first seven letters of the alphabet when designing the marimba. During the workshop, we successfully built three marimbas: soprano, tenor, and baritone,” said Marange.
Another beneficiary, Evelyn Singizi, reflected on the workshop’s value and encouraged more young female artists to participate in similar programs.
“I am happy for the certificate I received and grateful for what I learned as a female artist, particularly about interpreting the keys of the mbira. In the past, I could only perform without understanding the interpretation.
“My goal is to encourage women to participate in such programmmes and inspire young female artists who are passionate about their craft,” she said.
