a r t i s t : VA
t i t l e : The Soul of Mbira: Traditions of the Shona People
d a t e : 2002
l a b e l : Nonesuch Explorer
g e n r e : Ethnic
r l s. d a t e : Jul/2006
t r a c k s : 09
b i t r a t e : VBRkbps
s i z e : 64,5 MB
_______________________________________________________________________
Originally released in 1973 as "The Soul of Mbira: Traditions
of the Shona People of Rhodesia"
In order to provide a historical context for this recording,
the liner notes that accompanied its original release have
been reprinted in full below. The text has not been edited to
reflect changes in general cultural perceptions or specific
factual information that may have occurred since then.
ùEd.
These recordings were made during a period of dramatic
political change in the history of Rhodesia, which led
ultimately to the country's independence in 1980, and its
subsequent renaming to Zimbabwe. Since the record's initial
publication, a number of place names have been changed: the
former capital, Salisbury, is now called Harare; Ft. Victoria
is now called Masvingo; University of Rhodesia, now University
of Zimbabwe; Mondoro, now represented as Mhondoro, Highfields
as Highfield.
We regret the passing of a number of distinguished artists
heard on this disc: Mubayiwa Bandambira, Erick and Mondreck
Muchena, Justin Magaya, John Kunaka and Muchatera Mujuru, the
latter two û repositories of knowledge about the mbira
tradition û executed during the liberation war.
--Paul Berliner
Mbira music is one of the most ancient and popular forms of
music found throughout black Africa. Its myriad forms
constitute a contribution of unique richness to the worldÆs
music.s
The mbira has always been essential to traditional Shona
culture and its players held in high esteem, providing music
not only for entertainment but also for the most important
occasions, ranging from the coronation of chiefs to religious
ceremonies. Today, while mbira players are professionals by
the nature of their commitment and skill, they often have to
supplement their income through other vocations. Of the
artists heard here, Mr. Mude is an upholsterer and
businessman; Mr. Mashoko works as a catechist for the Roman
Catholic Church; Mr. Kunaka is a skilled blacksmith and
carpenter.
The mbira is an instrument consisting of keys mounted over a
bridge on a hardwood sound-board. Shona mbiras range in
numbers of keys from eight to fifty-two. They are generally
played inside large gourd resonators decorated with shells and
(more recently) bottle tops. The gourds shape and amplify the
sound of the mbira, and the shells provide a buzzing quality û
an integral part of the music. A basic rhythmic accompaniment
to the mbira is often provided by gourd rattles called hosho.
In this album, four major mbira traditions are represented:
the mbira dzavadzimu, matepe, njari, and ndimba. Their playing
techniques range from the use of two thumbs to both thumbs and
index fingers.
We are greatly indebted to the performers, whose love of mbira
and conviction that mbira music holds universal meaning made
these recordings possible.
- PAUL BERLINER, 1973
(http://www.nonesuch.com/Hi_Band/explorer_home.html)
_______________________________________________________________________
01-Nhemamusasa [07:04]
02-Taireva [04:05]
03-Nyamaropa [06:23]
04-Kuyadya Hove Kune Mazove [04:28]
05-Mbiriviri [05:57]
06-Nhimutimu [04:04]
07-Nyamaropa yeVana Vava Mushonga [05:04]
08-Dangurangu [04:25]
09-Kumakudo [03:08]
-------
44:38 min