Zimbabwe marimba fest announces dates

Registration is ongoing and schools that are interested in participating are expected to pay $150 towards hosting expenses.

“This year the festival is different as we have a set piece that will be performed by all bands,” Tambarimba Arts director Don Chidavaenzi told Music In Africa. “We also have a solo performance where individual performers will showcase their skills.

“This year we wish to ensure that our own marimba music is appreciated by all and that opportunities are created for our talented students.”

Chidavaenzi said the organisers were expecting 30 bands to compete at the festival. He said that winners would receive various prizes such as trophies, food hampers and cash prizes. The winners of last year's event were Chiremba Primary School, Epworth High School and Still Waters Learning Academy.

Chidavaenzi also implored the Zimbabwean government to support the marimba festival, which cost about $8 000 to organise in 2018.

“We have not received government support financially or materially but we hope our efforts over the years will be recognised one day," he said. "Some private companies have been supportive with material support. We hope the new minister of arts will create an environment where marimba music will be recognised and appreciated.”

Chidavaenzi was commenting about former swimmer and Olympic gold medallist Kirsty Coventry, who was named Zimbabwe's minister of youth, sport, arts and recreation under President Emmerson Mnangagwa last week.

Chidavaenzi said the organisers of Tambarimba Marimba Music Festival were planning to involve marimba bands in the future. “Our vision is for the event to become an internationally recognised event, so we are working towards inviting foreign participants in future festivals.”

Speaking on the state of marimba music in the country, Chidavaenzi said: “Marimba music in Zimbabwe has not been given the recognition it deserves, yet it is our own that we should be proud of. We appeal to all stakeholders to be supportive of our own traditional marimba music to promote and protect our culture. These include schools, the government, the private sector and the media.”