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Political leaders and government ministers who attended Mbuya Stella Chiweshe’s funeral wake paid tribute to the pivotal role she played in making Zimbabwean culture and mbira music more acceptable abroad, especially in Europe.
Her global tours that sought alternative sources for marketing our culture, identity and history were appreciated during their speeches at the funeral wake.
Ambuya Chiweshe died last Friday at her Kuwadzana home in Harare aged 76.
Zanu-PF Politburo member and National Political Commissar Dr Mike Bimha said Mbuya Chiweshe’s death punched a heavy blow to the whole world and to the future of young generations in Zimbabwe’s mbira music.
“Zimbabwe and indeed the whole world has been cruelly robbed of a legend. An ancient musical instrument, the mbira, used by Shona people had an important function in the development of Zimbabwean culture for hundreds of years. I met her at the erection of Mbuya Nehanda’s statue where she performed mbira songs after the government noticed that there were historical linkages between her and Mbuya Nehanda.
“We are encouraging researchers to bring us more about the life of Mbuya Chiweshe, we also need documentaries,” he said.
Her funeral wake was attended by thousands of people, amongst them artists, cultural ambassadors and fellow musicians.
Her protégé, Vee Mhofu and her band Dzivarembira performed during the wake.
Female mbira player, Hope Masike said Mbuya Chiweshe taught her to be kind to others, including fellow artists.
“She always encouraged me to give a hand to other artists whenever I could. She said: “you have to inspire others in everything that you do so that when you die the legacy remains accelerated by others.”
“Our pillar of strength in mbira music has gone too soon. We cannot talk about music without talking about Mbuya Chiweshe. She contributed to my life greatly and through her, we have to understand that our ancestors have left a legacy for us and we have to use it for the betterment of where we are going,” she said.
Renowned artist and arts analyst Albert Nyathi said Gogo Chiweshe was a patriotic Zimbabwean artist and international cultural ambassador.
“She loved her country, she pioneered and popularised the mbira dzevadzimu music genre. She ensured that the genre was even commercialised, went abroad as our cultural ambassador, worked hard to preserve our culture and promote traditional music on the global podium.”
Nyathi also revealed what kept her afloat in the male-dominated mbira music genre.
“She was brave. I remember when she told me that: “I counted the number of fingers on a man’s hand and I saw five. I counted the fingers on my hand. They also came to five. So, I said to myself, what the hell if a man can play mbira, why can’t l?”
“We suffered a great loss,” he said.
Poet Chirikure Chirikure lauded her family for honouring her wishes to be buried the traditional way.
“We are glad that her family respected her wishes to be buried in a traditional way and in secret. I urge artists and writers to establish and publish works of such a musical heroine so that our children will be motivated to follow in her steps. “Chivanhu chakakosha chinofanira kuchengetedzwa,” he said.
Her recording career began in 1974 with the release of the single ‘Kasahwa’ (Teal Records).
In 1981, she joined the National Dance Company of Zimbabwe, playing the mbira instrument and they toured many countries across the world.
To spearhead the revitalisation of mbira music, Chiweshe amplified her instrument and introduced electric instruments to her supporting band in the 1980s.
In 1985, she formed her first band, The Earthquake, before recording two liberationist songs, ‘Chimurenga’ and ‘NeHondo’ in 1988.
She also helped to form the Zimbabwe Musicians Union. During this period, she also played the titular role in the film Ambuya Nehanda, which portrayed the life of Mbuya Nehanda, an anti-colonial resistance leader.
Chiweshe performed numerous times in Germany and also participated in the WOMAD festival (1994 in the United States, 1995 in Australia, and 2006 in Spain).
In 2004, she toured England with her daughter. She was known for her spiritual presence on stage, and for often taking snuff while performing.
By the time of her death, she had won nearly five awards. Among them were the Billboard Music Award (1993), Zimbabwe Music Silver Jubilee Awards – Female Most Outstanding Contribution to the Music Industry of the Past 25 Years (2005), Zimbabwe Music Silver Jubilee Awards – Best Mbira Artiste of the Past 25 Years (2005), National Arts Merit Award (2006), National Arts Merit Award Lifetime Achievement Award (2020) and the National Arts Merit Award Legends Awards in 2021. Nhau/Indaba
