Our final performance in Zimbabwe was at Zambezi House- a bar/restaurant situated right on the banks of the mighty Zambezi river. 

This river has been a place of important interactions among various groups of people (the Tonga, Chewa, Ndebele and Shona, among them) for millennia. Its an important source of livelihood for local fishing communities and more importantly a vital part of the ecosystem – providing food, water and fertile hunting ground for the diverse wildlife that depends on it.

Its along the banks of this important meeting place that we gathered, shared music, introduced Victoria Falls to the Mbira Renaissance Band and in our own way added to the story of the Zambezi.

Any nerves we had were dispelled when we sang our opening number, Mauya Mauya, and students from Victoria Falls Primary school wasted no time in joining on the response (Mauya Mauya!) We had spent a few days with the students and had taught them some of our songs. These brilliant kids had taught their parents too, many who came for the show – and we sung together. 

Time was suspended from that moment on.

When we emerged 2.5 hours and 3 sets later we collectively had danced to Guramatunhu in a dance circle, line danced to Zunza (Get Up), sung an improvised version of Nhemamusasa while a broken drum pedal got repaired mid set, danced to mhande drum songs,  and sung chimurenga style songs together.

For 2.5 hours we moved, danced and sang as one body and we are so grateful for that sense of community gathered around our music.

In many ways our finale event was reflective of our total experience on the 3 week tour: surrounded by family, old friends, new friends and good vibes.  Chaka and Chiedza’s family danced from start to end (special shout out to Chiedza’s parents who drove many hours to catch the show!) We made new friends – some who had heard we were in town and watched us for the first time. We played with new people – many thanks to Kella from Flying Bantu who joined us just 3 hours before the show as a stand in guitarist (never a dull moment!)

We are independent artists. This means we self manage, do our own fundraising, marketing and booking. But we are definitely not alone and our growing community comes through to support us every time to put on incredible experiences for us all. This was the case in Victoria Falls where we couldn’t have done any of this without our friends Chenai, Praise and Tariro neGitare who helped coordinate the weeks activities and the event itself.

The memories we created on the banks of Zambezi river, will be carried t our hometown, Edmonton. Edmonton too has an important lifesource running through it- the North Saskatchewan river (this too a historic meeting place for many Indigenous people and a place of many important stories).

With joy, gratitude and love from Zambezi House, The Mbira Renaissance Band.