| Playing the mbira, an indigenous instrument of the Shoma people of Zimbabwe, Musekiwa Chingodza and fellow musician Bud Cohen will participate in a number of performances in the four state area.
Musekiwa Chingodza, pictured, was born into a family of great mbira players in Mwangara village, Murewa, Zimbabwe, in 1970. He began playing mbira at the age of five and is self-taught. Through listening to other gwenyambira, or great mbira players, he developed a strong attachment to and love for mbira music.
He says, "Our music is both medicine and food, as mbira has the power to heal and to provide for people. Following up on his widely acclaimed CD with Jennifer Kyker, entitled "Tsunga," Musekiwa released his CD, "VaChingodza Budai Pachena." His newest CD, "Kutema Musasa," was released in late 2005.
Cohen is from Eugene, OR and has been involved for years with Eugene's Kutsinhira Cultural Arts Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to sharing the music of Zimbabwe. Through this involvement Cohen has traveled, played, and recorded music with many Zimbabwean musicians during their visits to the United States.
Many believe the classical repertoire for the mbira to be over a thousand years old. Important for religious ceremonies as well as for strictly social gatherings, the instrument has long played a central cultural role in Shona life.
With between 22 to 28 metal keys mounted on a wooden soundboard, this instrument is played with both thumbs and right forefinger. Although the technique looks simple, it produces music that is remarkably complex. Pieces are based on a cyclical pattern, with a variety of interlocking melodies, and typically require two players, one for the kushaura (leading) and another for the kutsinhira (interlocking) parts. Other aspects of the music include hosho (gourd shakers), and singing, and dancing.
Featured performances include:
- 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 16 at Central Park in Carthage with the local group Kufara as part of the "Festival of Friends"
- 3 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 17 in McCray Hall, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KS
- 7:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 18 in Webster Hall on the campus of Missouri Southern State University, Joplin
Children's classes are scheduled
In addition, on September 16 Cingodza will conduct a percussion workshop on Zimbabwean rhythms in Joplin from 10:30 a.m. to noon at 508 1/2 Joplin St. (between 6th & 5th; Joplin St. is one way south). The fee of $15 per person may be paid at the door. Bring hand drums and, if possible, folding chairs.
Cohen, an experienced marimba teacher, will conduct children's classes at the same location on Tuesday, Sept. 19. The fee is $10 per session. The schedule is from 4-5 p.m. for ages 8-11, and 6-7 p.m. for ages 12 and older. Although not mandatory, a reservation is advised by calling Joy Dworkin at (417) 625-9647, (417) 483-3180 or by email.
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