Chaka Zinyemba Mbira Music
City of Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandels' Award for Commmunity Achievement Excellence in the Fine Arts (2011)
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Album - Tariro
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Bio
Biography
Amongst other things, Chaka Zinyemba is a young player of the Zimbabwean mbira (huru dzavadzimu, or the big mbira of the ancestors - to be specific.Currently residing in Edmonton , Canada and studying Human Geography at the University of Alberta, Chaka started learning the mbira in 2008 and continues to learn by meeting various mbira players in Zimbabwe and in various parts of Canada. He performs with a band, on demand and has recently worked on a debut album, allongside mentor, gwenyambira and marimba player Freemantle Nhembo. In 2011, Chaka received an award of recognition for "Community Achievement Excellence in the Fine Arts" from the Mayor of Edmonton, Stephen Mandel.
Album - Tariro
Tariro Chaka Zinyemba & Freemantle Nhembo
01 Chemutengure.mp3
02 Taireva.mp3
03 Tadzungaira.mp3
04 Tariro.mp3
05 Mukatiende.mp3
06 Pamusika - Nhemamusasa.mp3
07 Dande 1.mp3
08 Mukatiende (Instrumental).mp3
Tariro Album Preview
Producer: Peter "Cool Dude" Muparutsa
Song Titles and Meanings " Chemutengure (The Wagon Driver)" A traditional tune whose lyrics evolved during Zimabwe's colonial period. One of the few economic opportunities available to black people was as a wagon driver for the colonial master. Despite his economic advantage, the wagon driver and his wife were often the sujbect of common jest and ridicule. If you listen closely to some versions, the progression of the chords is said to imitate the sound of wagon wheels coming down the road."Taireva (We Told You So)"The musician, especially the gwenyambira (Master mbira players), plays an important advisory role, even within todays urban urban society. While the lyrics have been adaped to suit the singers situation and preference, the meaning behind the song is still - listen to the musicians advice!"Tadzungaira (We are wandering)"After a decade of mass exodus, more than 4 million Zimbabweans, of different ethnic backgrounds and socio-economic status live outside Zimbabwe. Though having sought greener economic and poltical pastures, many struggle with the loss of social networks, new language, loss of culture and family ties. Tadzungaira means "we are wandering," lost and searching..."Tariro (Hope)"This piece, fuses English and Shona spoken word and instrumentals to convey a message of hope, which can be found all around us. "Mukatiende (Get Up and Lets Go!)"Whatever your problems are in life, this deep traditional tune also known as Mugarandga (Loneliness) or Hurombo (Poverty) will uplift you. Don't wallow in your sorrows, you are not alone, mukatiende!"Pamusika - Nhemamusasa (At the Market place)"Sang over the popular tradtional piece called "Nhemamusasa," the stage is set for the marketplace (musika), which is a large source of income in the informal economy. The vendor is heard selling tomatoes, cabbage and onions. He also addresses the unending problem of gossiping that takes place at the musika. If his neighbours workd as much as the gossiped about him they would be very wealthy, with cows and goats to show for it!"Dande"Dande, a fun traditional piece refers to a place and the people in the Guruve district of Zimbabwe. "Mukatiende (Get Up, Lets Go!)" (Instrumental)Sometimes, no words are necessary, let this poweful piece lift you up
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Tariro - Out Soon!
Mbira Music
Mbira Music
The mbira is an instrument that is thousands of years old. Known as the kalimba in other parts of Africa, there are a number of mbira that can be found in Zimbabwe incuding the Mbirahuru - Dzavadzimu (The big mbira of the ancestors) which was and still is notably used for traditonal religious ceremonies, the mbira nyunga - nyunga (little star) which has its origns in Mozambique as well as the mbira Njari. After having being banned during colonial times as its religious use was seen as contradictory to Christianity, urban and world mbira music has become popular in recent years, being used as a tool to spread social and political messages in todays context. The mbira has gained popularity in many parts of North America, in Japan and with Zmbabwean youth and musicians who now fuse the music with guitars and keyboards to create a truly contemporary indigenous sound.
Contact for Bookings and Enquiries
Thank you to all well wishers, friends and family for the support during this project. Special thanks to my mom Mrs. Alice Zinyemba and mukoma Freemantle Nhembo for his help,support and leadership
