Stella Chiweshe launches crowdfunding for Zim mbira centre

The centre seeks to preserve, deepen and promote traditional mbira culture by passing it on to the next generation. Chivanhu is a Shona word for ‘humanity’ and the centre will serve as a public space for the exchange of ideas among young people, elders and musicians.

The campaign began on 19 November and well wishers have until 21 December to donate funds.

Based in Germany, Chiweshe is determined to pass on the traditional mbira culture. Her ambition is to establish a place of learning and cultural exchange dedicated to mbira music.

“I absolutely want to leave something to my country, to my people,” the 74-year-old Chiweshe said. “Returning to my father’s land to create this music centre is a real dream for me. I want to revive links between music and the ancestral culture of Zimbabwe. Practicing these traditions can build a more stable future.”

Commenting on how she began playing the mbira, Stella said: “As soon as I heard it, the sound of the instrument never left me again. I had to play it. At first, it was not allowed to be seen with a mbira in the city, to walk with a mbira, which was punished by jail, and I had to borrow one to make my music. During the ceremonies, I had to sit on the men’s side, which contravened the practices of the time.”

Construction of the centre is under way and will comprise a community hall, garden, dedicated mbira room and traditional huts for visitors. The centre already boasts two prototype huts and four temporary cabins, which were built early this year. Subject to COVID-19 pandemic conditions, the next phase of construction is scheduled for spring 2021 with a view to open the centre in the summer.

Crowdfunding goals and costs

Funds obtained through the crowdfunding will be channelled towards production costs (€4 900), drilling of a borehole (€2 800), installing a solar system (€4 400), set-up of a garden (€1 400) and building main structures such as a community hall (€3 900), mbira room (€1 800) and four traditional huts (€4 800).

“The campaign has a goal of €24 000, but whatever the final total, all contributions will go towards the development of the Chivanhu Centre,” a statement reads. “You can target your donation to a specific part.”

About Stella Chiweshe

Stella Chiweshe is a leading figure in mbira music. She is the first female player to find an international audience, earning her the ‘Queen of Mbira‘ nickname. Having been barred from playing the mbira in the 1960s, she defied the conservative rules. Before the country’s independence, English colonial authorities stifled traditional culture leading to the confiscation of instruments and a ban on teaching traditional music and playing of music in schools.  Nevertheless, Chiweshe was initiated by her uncle and despite the risk of imprisonment, she recorded her first single ‘Kasahwa’ in 1974. The song became a gold record and earned her fame in the country.

Having lived in Germany since 1983, Chiweshe brought mbira music to new audiences outside of Zimbabwe. In the 1980s, through concerts, festivals and workshops, she took her music to Africa, Europe, North and South America, Asia and Oceania. In March 2020, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award at Zimbabwe’s National Arts Merit Awards in Harare.

Find more information about the project here.