Teaching the Children of Zimbabwe Traditional Music

Gladys Mashinya, age 10

As of 2011, the MBIRA Musicians Fund has new policies designed to support the transmission of traditional music to future generations of Zimbabweans. Those musicians on MBIRA's recordings who wish to receive MBIRA Musicians Fund donations, in addition to their recordings royalties (often less than $50 each), must show that they are teaching the next generation their traditional music skills. MBIRA began documenting this in 2011 with photos, recordings and videos, as well as written details. To donate to the MBIRA Musicians Fund:

Alois Mutinhiri encouraging son Tatenda Mutinhiri, age 9

MBIRA also has future plans to support young musicians in Zimbabwe, including:

Soliciting donations to sponsor mbira instruments for young Zimbabwean musicians, and
An mbira competition with prizes

The Gweremwezhe brothers, ages 14 and 16

MBIRA, Box 7863, Berkeley, CA 94707-0863, USA, tel (510) 548-6053, fax (510) 548-2454, email info@mbira.org