Branton Matondo
Norton-based Mbira ensemble Ninga Dzenharira came to the party this past Monday and Tuesday arousing fans with their innate yet amusing traditional sounds at Club Mandisa.
Ninga Dzenharira shared the stage with Tryson Chimbetu who also had good Sungura outing at the popular imbibing arena.
Ninga Dzenharira band Leader Florence ‘The Lioness Shumbakadzi’ Nyamazana appreciated the response from Mutare.
“The turnout was very good. I am so touched with how Mutare community appreciates and embrace Mbira music. It was not just a show but also a cultural tour,” said Nyamazana.
Nyamazana added that Ninga Dzenharira will be back next month.
“On May 26, we will be here at club Mandisa. The following day which is the 27, we will be at Rozvi Gazebo kwaMatongo in Dangamvura,” she added.
In an interview the band’s bass mbira player Clever Basvi showed amazement on the turn out Mutare at their show.
“Since it was our first time to play in Mutare, the turnout was amazing. For the two days, we played here people really supported the show,” said Basvi.
The band which consists of 12 members, eight males and four female members felt the support from Mutare fans.
The outfit’s backing vocalist and drum player MackAngel Culture Katsiri said he did not expect the numbers at the show also thanking Mutare for the support.
“We did not expect the atmosphere at the show. The sound system was on point and people were happy of our performance,” said Katsiri.
The group has 5 albums and few singles. For this year they have released two singles, Hope dzerombe and a collaboration Mhofu Ndakakumirira.
Mutare has so far been grabbing the attention of mbira lovers.On the 31st of March well traveled ensemble Mookomba and Mutare based outfit Ntswai Ntswai left spectators wanting more at the 300 seater Courtauld Theater.
