About MBIRA

MBIRA was incorporated in the State of California as a non-profit public benefit corporation in 1998. The corporation is organized and operated exclusively for educational purposes and has non-profit status from the U.S. government under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Like any other corporation, MBIRA has bylaws and a Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors are:

• Erica Azim, President
• Marie Ali, Vice-President
• Genine Coleman, Secretary
• Gilbert G. Bendix, Treasurer
• Tracy Willett
• Todd Boekelheide
• Saralynn Clark

MBIRA’s activities and budget are decided by the board, which meets at least once a year.

Erica Azim is also an employee of MBIRA. Board decisions regarding her compensation are made without votes from her or any relative of hers. Erica worked for MBIRA on a volunteer basis during MBIRA’s start-up in 1998, and began to receive a salary in late 1999.

Erica Azim directs the day-to-day activites of MBIRA, teaching and organizing workshops, making and duplicating recordings, and maintaining the MBIRA office.

MBIRA respects the long history and cultural/religious context of mbira music in Zimbabwe, and offers thanks to the great spirits of Zimbabwe - the “owners” of this music.

MBIRA is very interested in receiving feedback from both Zimbabweans and non-Zimbabweans regarding its policies and activities. We welcome email, and will respond as soon as we can!