Participate in a worldwide mbira ceremony - with FREE learning materials for players of all abilities.
Global Mbira Ceremony 2020
For centuries, the mbira music of Zimbabwe has been used as a tool for prayer, healing, and accessing ancestral wisdom.
In response to the COVID19 pandemic, Mbira Magic asked mbira players around the world to choose a song as our united prayer. The Shona mbira song, ‘Tadzungaira’ brought participants together from across six continents, and continues today. You’re invited to join us in the #globalceremony - whatever instrument (or software) you play.
“It connects me with all the others who are playing Tadzungaira as a prayer during these days. It is a prayer on a deep level, a level that my words can’t reach.
”
How to take part:
You’ll learn how to play Tadzungaira on any instrument
Explore deep traditional mbira improvisation, or get audio samples and fascinating song information to use as your creative starting point
Enjoy playing beautiful music and share your journey with the global community using #globalceremony or @mbiramagic
The first prayer:
The first video response to our call for a united mbira prayer: Irvin Vimbiso Mukajami and friends play a powerful version of the Shona Mbira song, Tadzungaira.
“Thanks for putting this together and facilitating this collaboration Andy! It is nice to have something to focus on to take a break from the news while sheltering in place.”
What’s inside The Participant Pack?
The Global Ceremony Participant Guide, ‘Discover Mbira’ offers a deep learning journey into traditional mbira music.
Created it in partnership with top Zimbabwean mbira players for all musicians + composers, with special sections for new + existing mbira players, this FREE ‘⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️’ multimedia resource includes:
Dozens of variations for the two most popular traditional mbira songs, Tadzungaira and Nhemamusasa.
Video tutorials, performances, and audio tracks (remix opportunities!) from master mbira player Forward Kwenda.
Fascinating, illustrated ‘Fractal Music’ section exploring the ancient structure beneath traditional Shona mbira music.
Lyrics, Song Meanings, Western Scores + Bonus Content
Onward mbira learning pathways
Global Ceremony Inspiration on YouTube
Watch Tadzungaira performances and #GlobalCeremony contributions on YouTube.
Global Ceremony on Facebook
Scroll through these #GlobalCeremony contributions on Facebook to see how the project evolved.
Global Mbira Ceremony 2022
Mbira players around the world united once again in 2022, responding to the ukraine war with the song ‘Mukatiende’
‘Mukatiende’, ‘Mukai Tiende’, ‘Bhukatiende’, or ‘Buka Tiende’ are various spellings of the same song.
Often translated to ‘Wake Up, Let’s Go’, this song can be considered a call to action.
Our free participant pack includes:
Multiple variations for solo musicians and groups
Song words / lyrics and meanings
Gwenyambira (Mbira Master) videos
New parts created for katsanzaira tuning
