Ambuya Chiweshe’s fight against cultural imperialism
THE concept of globalisation has left traditional genres in danger of extinction as cultural diversity has brought in exotic genres that are seemingly taking over and dominating the music market in Africa. Zimbabwe is one country with a rich history of traditional music genres that have been widely ignored by budding artistes who seem to be more interested in modern genres like Hip Hop, RnB, Pop and Jazz. Despite globalisation pressures, there are renowned artistes who have stood strong by continuingly remaining true to their beautiful culture and have made sure they help protect it using their talents. Among them is the sensational Mbira queen, Stella Rambisai Chiweshe who has undeniable changed the face of Mbira by making the world play the beautiful instrument. Mbira is one type of music which dominated radio stations in the early of Zimbabwe’s independence days but has been dumped by youths who believe the traditional instrument is now backward and outdated. Born in Mhondoro in 1946, Ambuya Chiweshe as she is popularly known on stage grew to become one of the Mbira queens who have facilitated the spread of the genre to the world. It is strongly believed that the Mbira sensation played the beautiful instrument despite the colonial constraints that prevented people from doing such cultural activities particularly women. Years ago she addressed the Press on the struggles she faced when she wanted to play mbira. “There was no one to teach me at that time. Mbira makers refused to make me my own personal mbira while some of them did not even take me seriously. Women were strongly looked down upon,” she said. Her determination and resistance against colonial challenges led her to record her first single called Kasahwa with Teal Record Company which complete raised eyebrows among locals.
The singer has now over 10 albums to her name which have often been well received by fans globally. Her top albums include Ambuya, Ndizvozvo, and double check and Healing Tree: Best of Stella Chiweshe. She once praised mbira as something that was very divine and connected people with their ancestors when she was being interviewed by the Press.
“The mbira touches the souls of human beings, animals and trees, this is why this instrument is very magical,” she said.
Despite continued globalisation pressures which continue to engulf African cultures, Ambuya Chiweshe has continued championing traditional culture through her Mbira music. Her last single came last year when she celebrated her 50 years in the music industry.
Zimbabweans who have migrated to Western countries have usually came back home to view their own traditions with contempt. However, with Ambuya Chiweshe that has not been the case; the talented mbira muso has been living in Germany for quite some time but that has not prevented her from returning home to grace her home fans with new mbira songs.
Ambuya Chiweshe is one women who has undeniable reinforced the recognition of mbira music to the world by touring in different counties that includes Mozambique, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, India, China and Korea.
She has been involved in massive traditional events in a bid to enlighten the youths to value their origins with honour and respect. These events include that glamming 2011 concert to honour the earth which featured 18 mbira singers and traditional gathering at Dande.
Her popularity across the world was recognised when she was named the Zimbabwe Culture ambassador in 2006.
As if singing was not enough, Ambuya Chiweshe became a mbira teacher in 2012 at a global music academy in Germany which depicted her love for the genre and desire to spread the beautiful Zimbabwean culture to the world.
She has made sure that mbira will forever be recognised in a global village for thousand years to come as her splendid work is well stored in modern facilities.