Tribute to Chiwoniso Maraire

A bright star went out over Harare skies last Wednesday with the death of Zimbabwe’s young mbira legend Chiwoniso Maraire - musician, singer, songwriter, mother, daughter, sister of so many.  The news rocked the arts community of Zimbabwe who gathered at her home. They played music and wept with the family, they prayed for the children. A media frenzy ensued, overflowing with messages from all over the world of pain and loss, of memories of music and fun, of great songs that were written and others not yet written. 

 

This Thursday 1 August at The Book Café from 7pm, some of Zimbabwe’s most prominent artists will be uniting to remember and celebrate the life of their sister in a colourful musical tribute at the popular performing arts venue, which she had also considered her ‘home’.  All proceeds of the show will go to her family.  Cover charge is $5 early /$10 later.

 

While coordination of the huge event is still ongoing, the lineup is likely to include Hope Masike, Pablo Nakappa, Chikwata.263, Ba Shupi, Josh Meck & Chikwata, Kelly Rusike & Jazz Invitation, Comrade Fatso & Chabvondoka, Outspoken & The Essence, Eyarah Mathazia, House of Stone, and more.

 

The late Chiwoniso Maraire performing at the re-opening of the Book Café, 8 March 2012

Chiwoniso became part of the Pamberi Trust and Book Café family years ago at the start of her career, when she performed and grew at the Monday Open Mic nights in the Fife Avenue venue, went on to make Tuesday nights a memorable experience for several years, and even after achieving international acclaim, performed regularly at Book Café right up to her last performance on Friday 5 July with mbira heavyweights Nyamasvisva and Mawungira Enharira.

Over the years Chiwoniso has given much of herself to the artistic community in Zimbabwe, and besides music performances she participated in many discussions including the memorable June discussion with Hope Masike and Stella Chiweshe in ‘Mbiravolution’ by Hector Mugani; facilitated workshops, represented Zimbabwe at festivals around the world, entered into vivid music collaborations, and other artistic activities that have touched so many artists. 



Chiwoniso Maraire: We will remember your selflessness, here Chiwoniso performing at a fundraiser, Book Café, June 2013

At the time of her death messages have been posted from musicians she has performed with from all over the world, from the United States to Japan and South Africa to Europe.

Paul Brickhill, Director of Book Café and Pamberi Trust said, “We pay tribute to the greatest musician of her generation, our daughter and sister Chiwoniso.  She was part of us. She is remembered with love, by all at Pamberi Trust and Book Café”.

ENDS