In this second post, I reflect on my workshop content, method and the feedback I received.
Silver Linings 1 : A Summer Of Mbira Workshops
Summer has just come to an end and I'm grateful to be left with some magical mbira memories. Here's some background to my journey this year, and a gallery of photos from the workshops I led. In part 2, you can find out more about what I taught and how it was received...
Fungai Gahadzikwa Mbira Song Book 1 : Summary・Samples・Reviews
"An accessible, innovative and important addition to mbira literature". Find out what sets this book apart from other traditional Shona song books, view sample pages and check out reviews from academics, recording artists and enthusiasts around the world.
Song of the Month : Bangiza Style Variations ・ December 2015
This month we offer three new variations for bangiza / bangidza. Inspired by the beautiful songs of Fungai Gahadzikwa and Luken Pasipamire.
Song of the Month : Jarabi Variations ・ November 2015
This month, we take a song example from the book Unlocking Mbira and introduce an additional funky bassline variation. 'Jarabi' is a love song from West Africa, often played on the Kora. This lesson includes video of Toumani Diabate explaining and layering different parts of the song (bassline, melody and improvisation). An equally phenomenal musician, Derek Gripper performs this and a variety of other kora (21 string) pieces on guitar (6 string!) - video also included.
Song of the Month : Chaminuka 1 ・ October 2015
Hey folks. This month we look at a variation of Chaminuka for Mbira Dza VaDzimu - with accompanying Tab (PDF), Audio and Video. The audio track includes a few slight variations - particularly in the right hand. For support and inspiration, we've included four videos of Chaminuka being played on Mbira Dza VaDzimu, and a special version on Njari by Phillip Nangle.
Unlocking Mbira : Summary・Samples・Reviews
The must-have book for all mbira players, Unlocking Mbira is now available to buy. Check out our quick overview, example pages and reviews (academic and customer).
Nzira Ye Mbira : John Falsetto
...you see, I had never touched an African instrument until I landed in Zimbabwe in 2002. Little did I know how much my life was about to change.
Nzira Ye Mbira : Mbira Spirit
Mbira Spirit consists of artists and educators Amy Matamba from Vancouver Island, Canada and Tafadzwa Matamba from Magunje, Zimbabwe. In this feature, readers will find out how their paths met, and learn about their social vision and inspiring achievements.
Nzira Ye Mbira : B Michael Williams
Many of our readers will be familiar with the work of Michael Williams. In this feature, we join him on a passionate journey that started almost thirty years ago. Let’s walk through time together and find out where it all began, what he has achieved with the instrument, and how his books and free resources are helping mbira players around the world.
Nzira Ye Mbira : Phillip Nangle
I was part of a group in Cape Town that began working with African musicians and dancers in 1986 during the apartheid years. Suddenly our frustration and despair with the condition in South Africa shifted into a highly charged creative activism.