Mbira star dreams big

SOUTH Africa-based mbira player, Bezil Makombe, believes he will conquer the region one day.

Makombe, who honed his skills under the stewardship of Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo between 1990 to 1999, has assembled Gitca Mbira Group, with songstress and mbira player Shirley “Gushungo” Wurayayi.

“I used to play mbira for Mukanya from 1990 before I left in 2000 where I met another South African artist and formed the group Movement. We recorded four albums together.

“I later on met Shirley and formed Gitca Mbira Group with which I have recorded four albums. We have a new single titled Vematare Tungamirai which is ready for our fans.

“It’s coming from our soonto-be released album with songs like Zvinondinetsa popular with fans,” he said.

The veteran mbira player said they are on a mission to conquer the region.

“Our albums like Zarurai Nzira, Mavambo, Zevezeve are being received well here in South Africa as we performed at festivals like Mapungubwe, Marula and Collins Chabane Heritage festivals.

“Collins Chabane was the one I formed the Movement Band with.

He later became a Minister of Public Servants and Administration in South Africa before he died in an accident.

“We are trying to take the music home as we are making an impact abroad,” he added.

His band consists of eight members.