The Zimbabwe College of Music (ZCM) will host the inaugural Mbiravolution Workshop on the 29th of this month at its main campus in Harare.
The workshop is designed to explore the bridge between ancient Shona rhythms and modern global genres.
Organisers said the event titled \"The Contemporary Traditional,\" serves as a deep dive into the versatility of the Mbira.
“Participants will explore how this instrument seamlessly integrates into diverse musical landscapes through the study of global icons: Reggae: Exploring the rhythms of Bob Marley, Rock: Analyzing the hits of The Cranberries, and Soweto Jazz: Delving into the melodies of Miriam Makeba,” the organisers said in a statement.
The session will be led by the esteemed musician and ethnomusicologist, Hector Rufaro Mugani.
“To ensure a comprehensive learning experience, the workshop is structured to cater to all skill levels—from absolute beginners picking up the instrument for the first time to expert players looking to refine their fusion techniques.
\"Mbiravolution is more than just a class; it is a movement to ensure our traditional sounds remain vibrant and relevant in the global contemporary music scene,\" says the ZCM organizing committee,” the statement said.ABOUT THE FACILITATOR
Hector Rufaro Mugani is a distinguished musician, multi-instrumentalist, and ethnomusicologist known for his innovative approach to Zimbabwean traditional music. His work focuses on the preservation of Traditional culture while pushing the instrument\'s technical boundaries to fit within contemporary global music structures.
ABOUT MBIRAVOLUTION
Mbiravolution is a groundbreaking movement and artistic collaboration dedicated to the evolution of mbira music. It seeks to peel back the layers of traditional performance to introduce fresh frameworks—such as the \"Manomwe Mazwi\" approach—that simplify complex Shona scales for modern pedagogy. The movement opens the instrument to new worlds of jazz, classical, and electronic music while strictly preserving its core Traditional culture.
ABOUT THE ZIMBABWE COLLEGE OF MUSIC (ZCM)
Founded in 1948, the Zimbabwe College of Music is the nation’s premier institution for music education. Operating as a Trust, ZCM offers a multicultural curriculum ranging from National Certificates to Bachelor of Music degrees. The College is committed to the \"Heritage-based Education 5.0\" philosophy, nurturing world-class virtuosos who carry indigenous Zimbabwean knowledge onto the global stage.
