Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe…..it gave me the wonderful mbira and for that I am forever grateful.
I was lucky enough to visit Zim on three different occasions. Just for a few weeks in 2004 and for 2 months in 2005, and again in 2013 for about 3 weeks. My main purpose was to learn more of the music and culture of the mbira but I ended up getting much more. Lucky for me, I was able to stay in the “high-density suburbs” which is where interesting things happen. I lived with my mbira teacher Medicine Kanengoni for some time and also stayed at the house of a diplomat for a period…..quite a contrast in living conditions but the vibes were always friendly and welcoming. Drank lots of chibuku (millet beer), took in a concert that went until pungwe (all night long) with some of the best dancing I may ever see…maybe. Had the chance to learn some intense drumming from my friend Richard Chiyaka. And got to pick up lion cubs and also get my video camera snatched from my hand by a 9 month old (and very large) lion.
I hope the situation improves there so I can go back and see my friends someday. I worry about them as of late.
I also spent 7 days in Mozambique on one trip to Zim but that story is for another day.
Tales From The Shack (April 11, 2005)
Love Your Peanut Butter (April 28, 2005)
Sea Lions (May 11, 2005)
Grooving With The Riot Police (May 25, 2005)
I was lucky enough to visit Zim on three different occasions. Just for a few weeks in 2004 and for 2 months in 2005, and again in 2013 for about 3 weeks. My main purpose was to learn more of the music and culture of the mbira but I ended up getting much more. Lucky for me, I was able to stay in the “high-density suburbs” which is where interesting things happen. I lived with my mbira teacher Medicine Kanengoni for some time and also stayed at the house of a diplomat for a period…..quite a contrast in living conditions but the vibes were always friendly and welcoming. Drank lots of chibuku (millet beer), took in a concert that went until pungwe (all night long) with some of the best dancing I may ever see…maybe. Had the chance to learn some intense drumming from my friend Richard Chiyaka. And got to pick up lion cubs and also get my video camera snatched from my hand by a 9 month old (and very large) lion.
I hope the situation improves there so I can go back and see my friends someday. I worry about them as of late.
I also spent 7 days in Mozambique on one trip to Zim but that story is for another day.
Tales From The Shack (April 11, 2005)
Love Your Peanut Butter (April 28, 2005)
Sea Lions (May 11, 2005)
Grooving With The Riot Police (May 25, 2005)
