CDs available from MBIRA

CDs available only from MBIRA (digital field recordings):

New 2003 Recordings:

3420 Murawo Tembedza & Langton Bapiro: Gandanga Tuning Mbira 2003

This recording is a must, MUST have for fans of gandanga tuning mbira! Nephews of the late, great John Kunaka, who live in the Nyamweda area of rural Mhondoro Communal Area, Zimbabwe, Tembedza and Bapiro are wonderful mbira players in their own right. Bapiro's lyrical singing will be a new favorite, too! Bapiro's son accompanies on hosho.
1. Bukatiende 13:51, 2. Chipembere 12:35, 3. Kariga mombe 11:51, 4. Dande 3:59, 5. Shumba 13:06, 6. Mahororo 11:47, 7. Dande 11:08. Total 78:45.

3431 Leonard Magaya Solo 2003

Never before recorded, Leonard Magaya is another talented musician in a family known for them. Really different slants on the classics, as well as a couple of more unusual songs. Tracks 1 through 4 are played on a nyamaropa tuning mbira in the pitch made popular in the U.S. by older brother Cosmas. Tracks 5 through 9 are played on a very unusual, low-pitched mbira with 31 keys, which Leonard built himself in 1974.
1. Nhema musasa 11:04, 2. Wafa warova 5:09, 3. Kariga mombe 7:57, 4. Nhimutimu "Kanengoni ndimambo" 7:10, 5. Munyu wepasi 7:20, 6. Nhimura 8:52, 7. Dande 8:19, 8. Bangidza 7:47, 9. Nhema musasa 10:29. Total 74:46.

3433 Silas Madziva & Panganai Sanyika: Gandanga Tuning Mbira 2003

Two talented mbira players and singers from Chihota Communal Area in rural Zimbabwe. On their way to the city to be recorded, their playing resulted in a whole busload of new fans...who barely noticed the trip as they partied their way to town. Another favorite for gandanga (aka mavembe) tuning fans - every song a delight, including Madziva's solo Dangurangu.
1. Chipembere 7:43, 2. Bukatiende 7:56, 3. Shanje 7:59, 4. Tadzunagaira 7:42, 5. Chigwaya 5:42, 6. Mahororo 7:43, 7. Mbavarira 8:12, 8. Shumba 7:54, 9. Marenje 7:40, 10. Dangurangu 9:53. Total 79:07.

3434 Leonard Chiyanike: Nyamaropa Tuning Mbira 2003

It never ceases to amaze me how many stunningly talented mbira players are tucked away in villages around Zimbabwe. Chiyanike is a virtuoso player who lives in the rural Chihota area of Zimbabwe. This recording includes gorgeous versions of the mbira classics - my favorite is the 15 minute Nyama musango...listen to the subtly shifting bass lines!
1. Nyama musango 15:13, 2. Bukatiende 7:32, 3. Nhema musasa 4:06, 4. Kariga mombe "Chipembere" 5:40, 5. Taireva 11:32, 6. Chakwi "Bangidza" 8:00, 7. Mahororo "Nyamaropa" 12:25, 8. Shumba 12:36. Total 77:35.

3435 Dzingodza Taonezvi Solo 2003

Mmmm...this senior musician from rural Chihota plays a very low pitched mbira in a tuning similar to Dorian mode, which he calls "nyuchi samsengere". Mellow middle-of-the-night style singing on some tracks, with some amazing pieces you've never heard before as well as great versions of classics. The deep tamber of both the mbira and vocals evokes ancient times...
1. Nhimutimu "yanyamaropa", 2. Mutamba 6:28, 3. Chamupupuri 7:24, 4. Chuma 4:53, 5. Mukai tiende 7:45, 6. Shumba huru 11:10, 7. Nhema musasa 5:37, 8. Shumba yanyamusakara 10:47, 9. Muzoriwa/Dangurangu 9:25. Total 76:06.

3439 Dambatsoko Mbira Group 2003

Dambatsoko is the name of the burial place of the Mujuru ancestors, and the family mbira tuning has been named after the place. On this recording, experience low Dambatsoko mbira the way it sounds at their village ceremonies, with singing and hosho (rattles). Fradreck Manjengwa, Fungai Mujuru, Fradreck Mujuru and Ambrose Manyukire.
1. Bukatiende yepasi 9:42, 2. Bukatiende "Dande Guru", 3. Nyamaropa yevaNhowe 9:47, 4. Nyonganyonga 9:29, 5. Nyamaropa yeDambatsoko 9:36, 6. Mupfure 9:32, 7. Mutamba 9:41, 8. Masangano 10:24. Total 78:18.

Pre-2003 Recordings:

3400 Chakwi - Forward Kwenda 2001

"Chakwi" or "Machakwi" is a marshy place. 2001 was a marshy, mucky time in history for both Zimbabwe (economic collapse, political violence, AIDS catastrophe) and the U.S. (recession, terrorism, hate). The healing qualities of mbira music have never been more important. As Forward puts it, "If everyone in the world played mbira, there would always be peace."

On this recording, Forward Kwenda plays solo nyamaropa tuning mbira in a very, very high pitch, contrasting with his deep pitched soulful vocals for a uniquely beautiful texture. One highlight is Kambiriviri, which sounds like Tadzungaira met Taireva. It puts your ears inside Forward's deze (calabash mbira resonator).
1. Chakwi 8:11, 2. Chipindura 8:58, 3. Bangidza 9:58, 4. Nhema musasa 14:44, 5. Muzoriwa 8:27, 6. Taireva 10:06, 7. Kambiriviri 8:23, 8. Shumba 8:27. Total 77:25

3401 Nighttime Nemakonde - Forward Kwenda 2001

The low, low luscious full sound of Forward's Nemakonde tuning mbira makes this recording favorite nighttime listening. Gentle singing perfectly complements the mbira as it moves through many moods: meditative, lively, grounded, passionate. This recording was made around 1 am, prime mbira time for a musician used to playing at the all-night mapira (ceremonies) used to call ancestors and other benevolent spirits in Zimbabwe.
1. Mbavarira 5:48, 2. Marenje 9:14, 3. Chipembere 9:43, 4. Nyuchi 9:03, 5.Tadzungaira 13:10. Total 47:17

3402 Fradreck & Fungai Mujuru – Dambatsoko Tuning Mbira 2002

The Mujuru family have been mbira makers and great mbira players for centuries. The low Dambatsoko tuning of the family seems to be inherently meditative, and is fast becoming a favorite worldwide. This CD, with two Dambatsoko mbiras and no vocals, is perfect for meditation and bodywork. Fradreck is known for his perfectly crafted instruments, as well as his talent and love for mbira. Fungai is the gentle elder of the current clan of Mujuru mbira players, a great inspiration to the dozens of younger musicians in the family.
1. Mukazondidana 9:39, 2. Shumba yaNgwasha 10:03, 3. Nyonganyonga 9:53, 4. Musakara 10:11, 5. Nyamaropa yevaNhowe 9:54, 6. Bangidza 9:39, 7. Pfodora 7:06, 8. Nyamaropa yeDambatsoko 11:52. Total 78:50.

3403 Tute Chigamba Solo – Gandanga Tuning Mbira 2002

Tute Chigamba is known for the sweet sound of the mbiras he builds, and the calm and effortlessly masterful style of his playing. This new digital recording includes staples of the mbira repertoire as well as Chigamba family favorites.
1. Tinovatenda 4:41, 2. Chipembere 7:39, 3. Marenje 7:08, 4. Nyuchi 6:34, 5. Dande 5:10, 6. Mahororo 4:47, 7. Mutamba "Guruve" 5:02, 8. Mutamba 5:05, 9. Vasina katura 5:37, 10. Shumba 4:45, 11. Dandemutande 7:09, 12. Ngozi yemuroora 5:25. Total 69:52.

3404 Jenny Muchumi, Simon Hoto & Mudavanhu Magaya 2002

This Mhondoro Communal Area group will get you stomping with the perfect combination of strong soaring vocals from Jenny Muchumi and Simon Hoto, and powerful duelling kutsinhira bass lines from Hoto and Mudavanhu Magaya. Nyamaropa tuning.
1. Nhema musasa 13:33, 2. Bangidza 9:15, 3. Mukatiende 9:10, 4. Taireva 9:28, 5. Ndodzungaira 9:37, 6. Chipindura. Total 61:30.

3405 Nemakonde Through The Night – Forward Kwenda 2002

This sequel to last year’s popular Nighttime Nemakonde (MBI 3401) again features the low, low luscious sound of Forward’s Nemakonde tuning and moving vocals. This one will touch your heart. After a year which included the deaths of his mother and best friend, share the comfort Forward finds with his favorite mbira in this intimate middle of the night recording. As always, many of his lyrics are asking the spirits for peace, light and wisdom.
1. Shumba yepasi 8:53, 2. Mutamba 10:14, 3. Nhema musasa 10:02, 4. Mukai tiende 10:18, 5. Marenje 11:41, 6. Kanhurura 10:09, 7. Mbavarira 11:04. Total 73:30.

3406 Alois Mutinhiri Solo 2002 - Nyamaropa Tuning Mbira and Vocals

Rural Mhondoro Communal Area mbira player Alois Mutinhiri plays romping kutsinhira parts, with hosho by Jenny Muchumi. This is an incredibly high energy recording - perfect to dance or do aerobics to! Put it on to wake you up on the way to work. Mutinhiri is the lead musician of the group that wowed us last year, the Mhondoro Mbira Group (MBI 333.)
1. Kari mugonba 10:30, 2. Chipindura 6:50, 3. Ndodzungaira 12:55, 4. Bangidza 5:28, 5. Chipembere 7:27, 6. Shumba yaNgwasha 7:50, 7. Nyama musango 7:31, 8. Taireva 12:45. Total 71:50

3407 Newton Gwara Solo 2002 - Nyamaropa Tuning Mbira and Vocals

Newton Gwara is one of Zimbabwe's most soulful mbira vocalists, as well as an excellent mbira player. Love this one for all the great vocals and his interesting mbira style on mbira classics like Nhema musasa and Kuzanga, as well as songs he has adapted for mbira like Mbirimo (also known as Zvichapera) and Muteyo.
1. Mbirimo 8:05, 2. Kumbirai kuvadzimu 11:53, 3. Mahororo 10:59, 4, Muteyo 9:52, 5. Kuzanga 6:42, 6. Nhema musasa 13:19, 7. Tadzungaira 13:28. Total 74:47

3408 Tute & Irene Chigamba 2002 - Gandanga Tuning Mbira and Vocals

Irene Chigamba is known around the world as a master performer and teacher of mbira, ngoma (drums), dance, hosho and singing. Her father Tute Chigamba is known for the calm, effortlessly masterful style of his complex mbira playing. Enjoy Irene's strong, soaring lead vocals and Tute's gentle responding vocals, along with soulful mbira playing. Some favorite tracks on this one are Vasina katura, Nyuchi and Ndomutenda mambo.
1. Shumba 7:27, 2. Pasi mupindu 8:05, 3. Nyama musango 6:24, 4. Mbavarira "Nhimutimu", 5. Ndomutenda mambo 5:01, 6. Vasina katura 7:48, 7. Nyuchi 6:16, 8. Dandemutande 7:24, 9. Chipembere 7:25, 10. Mukai tiende 7:33, 11. Kariga mombe. Total 76:52

3409 Vitalis Botsa & Fabian Rujuwa 2002 - Nyamaropa Tuning Mbira & Vocals

Botsa studied mbira and singing with Forward Kwenda years ago - his sweet singing and kutsinhira mbira style are reminiscent of Kwenda's teenage records of the mid-1980's. Rujuwa is a solid kushaura (lead) mbira player who formerly played with Newton Gwara. Botsa and Rujuwa come from the same rural area in Zimbabe - Murehwa Communal Area.
1. Nhema musasa 7:55, 2. Nyamaropa 8:01, 3. Bukatiende 7:56, 4. Taireva 8:22, 5. Bangidza 7:16, 6. Shumba yaNgwasha 7:57, 7. Chigwaya 7:03, 8. Kariga mombe 7:08, 9. Shumba 7:46. Total 70:01

3410 Jekanyika Mbira Group 2002

This recording evokes the timeless pace of the African village. Jekanyika is a rural Mhondoro Communal Area group with a relaxed tempo, confidently solid style, and typical vocals. Enjoy their tuning - nominally nyamaropa tuning, but less influenced by Western intervals than urban groups, so the tuning flavor is more Zimbabwean. Close your eyes and smell wood smoke from the kitchen fire...imagine dancing under a thatched roof...
1. Chipembere 10:10, 2. Mukatiende 10:45, 3. Mahororo 10:00, 4. Nhema musasa 10:11, 5. Kariga mombe 10:11, 6. Bangidza 11:30. Total 63:11

3411 Golden Nhamo - Solo Nyamaropa Tuning Mbira 2002 with Collins Bvukubwe, hosho, and Luken Pasipamire and Samson Bvure, vocals

Enjoy the very, VERY low pitch of Golden Nhamo's nyamaropa tuning mbira. Nhamo's rhythmic feel will get you snapping your fingers and tapping your toes. Pfumo jena and Mudzimu dzoka are songs more usually sung with drums, but Nhamo's low mbira versions more than do them justice. This version of Shumba, starting from a higher note than the more usual version, seemed to be one of the most popular songs of 2002 in Zimbabwe.
1. Shumba 13:41, 2. Pfumo Jena 13:10, 3. Taireva 10:05, $. Taireva 13:38, 5. Mudzimu dzoka 3:59, 6. Dangurangu "Mbiriviri" 5:19, 7. Mutamba 5:38. Total 66:00

3412 Mwezha Mbira Group 2002

This Masvingo nightclub mbira and dance group is more like typical Zimbabwe radio mbira fare than most of our recordings. The mbira playing is unexceptional, but the vocals are exciting - in the style of mbira songs done by Thomas Mapfumo and other Shona pop bands. Plenty of those spicy extra sounds like mhururu (ululating) and mheterwa (whistling).
1. Nhema musasa 7:27, 2. Chemutengure 6:49, 3. Kariga mombe "Vana vanochema" 9:17, 4. Tete guru 9:18, 5. Mandikanganwa 7:43, 6. Nyamaropa "Magamba" 6:56, 7. Nherera 7:25. Total 55:26

3413 Courage Njenge - Solo Gandanga Tuning Mbira 2002

Courage Njenge, of Mhondoro Communal Area in rural Zimbabwe, plays straight-ahead versions of the mbira classics in gandanga tuning. This recording will be very helpful for mbira students learning to play in gandanga tuning - the pieces are easily recognizable and most of the variations are simple enough to learn off the recording.
1. Chipembere 10:12, 2. Ndodzungaira 9:38, 3. Mukatiende 9:43, 4. Marenje 6:25, 5. Nyama musango 9:42, 6. Dande 10:07, 7. Mbavarira 7:43, 8. Mukatiende 9:29. Total 73:34

3414 Tute Chigamba Solo – Nyamaropa Tuning Mbira 2002

Tute Chigamba plays the mbira classics in nyamaropa tuning. Tute is known for the sweet sound of the mbiras he builds, and the calm and effortlessly masterful style of his playing. On this new digital recording each note is crystal clear. Mbira students - this is the exact tuning that MBIRA workshops are taught in.
1. Nyamaropa 14:22, 2. Kuzanga 4:15, 3. Mbavarira 5:26, 4. Muzoriwa 5:54, 5. Bukatiende 6:19, 6. Nyama musango 4:49, 7. Nyamaropa chipembere 6:30, 8. Nhema musasa "mbiriviri" 6:14, 9. Chipindura 5:39, 10. Taireva 4:50, 11. Bangidza "mandarendare" 5:46, 12. Shumba yemukuwasha 6:12. Total 77:07.

3500 Hosho for Practice – Forward Kwenda 2002

After years of requests, we have finally made a CD of mbira-style hosho at various speeds for mbira, marimba, and hosho students to practice along with. We also included one track of "kutsinhira hosho" style, which can be played by a second hosho player, or as variations when there is only one hosho player.
1. Slow speed 10:15, 2. Slow speed 10:15, 3. Medium speed 9:43, 4. Medium speed 9:43, 5. Fast speed 10:07, 6. Fast speed 10:07, 7. Kutsinhira hosho 6:01. Total 66:35

CDs available only from MBIRA (digitally remastered analog field recordings):

3015 Mhuri yekwaMuchena 1991

The late Mondrek and Erick Muchena on mbira, with joyous vocals from Mondrek and his wife Francesca. This recording was made in Mondrek's house in Highfield, Harare, when it was half-built, during a thunderstorm. The musicians sat on pieces of sewer pipe and the microphones were balanced on construction rubble, to the light of a single candle. As the house had no windows yet, neighbors could hear the music over the sounds of the storm, and came over to dance and play hosho.
1. Mahororo/Nyamaropa 15:22, 2. Mahororo yepasi 11:38, 3. Mahororo 7:54, 4. Nyamaropa 7:42, 5. Kari mugomba 6:06, 6. Chipindura 5:22, 7. Chandasarira 10:11. Total 64:44.

3062 Ephat Mujuru Solo 1986 - Gandanga Tuning Mbira

The late Ephat Mujuru was the first Zimbabwean gwenyambira (professional mbira player) to introduce traditional Shona mbira music to American audiences. He was also the leader of the group who popularized gandanga (also known as mavembe) tuning in modern Zimbabwe. Please forgive a few bumps in this casual recording - the wonderful playing is worth it. Proceeds of this CD help to support Ephat's widow and children.
1. Bangidza 3:05, 2. Nhema musasa yepasi "Rukovera" 2:55, 3. Mutige mutige 4:38, 4. Bukatiende 3:01, 5. Bukatiende 1:31, 6. Kuzanga 1:04, 7. Mutamba 3:00, 8. Mutamba 3:18, 9. Dangurangu 4:32, 10. Mbavarira "Chandasarira" 7:22, 11. Taireva 3:46, 12. Marenje "Kashiri" 2:36, 13. Mbavarira 2:03, 14. Chipembere 2:00. Total 44:50.

3107 Sam and Stanley Chigumbu 1994: Mande Tuning Mbira Group

After playing all day at their village in Seke Communal Area, Zimbabwe, Sam and Stanley Chigumbu weave that special magic that happens when brothers play mbira and sing together. Enjoy the relaxed home atmosphere, and the deliciously different tuning...but not so different that you can't recognize the songs. Great vocals on this one.
1. Nhema musasa, 2. Shumba, 3. Dangurangu, 4. Dangurangu, 5. Shumba yaNgwasha, 6.Mahororo, 7. Bangidza, 8. Nhema musasa, 9. Taireva, 10. Nyamaropa, 11. Baya wabaya, 12. Dande, 13. Nyamaropa chipembere, 14. Shumba, 15. Nyamaropa, 16. Muzoriwa, 17. Chipembere, 18. Mahororo. Total 78:41.

3208  Elder Mujuru Mbira Players 1996: Dambatsoko Tuning

Mellow, no-hurry, deep old men sound on low, low Dambatsoko tuning mbiras. Elder Mujuru mbira players Komboni Mujuru, Fungai Mujuru, Musekiwa Mujuru, and the late Cletos Manjengwa play Dambatsoko tuning mbira in various pairs. Recorded the afternoon after a bira ceremony, on a hilltop above Mujuru Village. The name of their mbira tuning - Dambatsoko - is a family reference to the burial place of their ancestors near rural Dewedzo, Zimbabwe.
1. Mutamba 5:54, 2. Nyamaropa yavaMbire 6:26, 3. Pfodora 8:24, 4. Shumba yaNgwasha 7:40, 5. Nyamaropa yeChitungwiza 7:08, 6. Nyamaropa yeDumba 8:18, 7. Bukatiende "Dande Guru" 5:26, 8. Nyamaropa yevaNhowe 5:26, 9. Shumba 7:09, 10. Nyamaropa yeDambatsoko 5:37, 11. Nyonganyonga 7:36. Total 75:51

3214 Tadzungaira yepasi - Forward Kwenda 1997 Nyamaropa Tuning

Tadzungaira ("We are suffering") is an ancient mbira song played to end all suffering in the world. This 46 minute long performance has long been a favorite (as Tape 214) for massage sessions, bedtime after a stressful day, long drives, and more...enjoy it now in CD format! The sweet sound of the mbira is a perfect counterpoint to unique lyrics that encourage us to remember that we are not alone, that we should love and support one another, and leave envy and violence behind.
1. Tadzungaira yepasi 45:58. Total 45:58.

3253 Newton Gwara & Chaka Marimba 1998

One mbira, 3 marimbas, hosho and lots of vocals on material ranging from mbira pieces to Shona pop. The vibrant young men of Chaka Marimba together with older mbira player and vocalist extroardinaire Newton Gwara are a potent combination! (Formerly Tape No. 253)
1. Tsotso (Taireva) 12:24, 2. Nhema musasa 13:03, 3. Chipo 4:56, 4. Marimuka 13:27, 5. Mahororo 12:41, 6. Addmore 13:19, 7. Kari mugomba 7:25. Total 77:41

3265 Rinos Simboti Mukuwurirwa & Tiri Chongotere 1999

Mbira maker Simboti Mukuwurirwa studied mbira with late great Mubayiwa Bandambira. He and mbira partner Tiri Chongotere enjoy playing the same mbira piece starting from various different pitches on the same mbira. Hear this done on the 5 different versions of Nhema musasa on this CD. The mbira tuning, which Simboti calls Saungweme, is delightfully non-Western.
1.Nhema musasa yepasi 5:36, 2.Nhema musasa 7:44, 3.Nhema musasa 4:17, 4.Nhema musasa 5:17, 5.Nhema musasa 3:30, 6.Nyama musango 7:26, 7.Mahororo 5:55, 8.Shumba yatubwete "yaRugwede" 4:08, 9.Nhimutimu "Nyamaropa" 8:19, 10.Shumba 5:35, 11.Chipindura 5:14, 12.Dande 5:37, 13.Nyuchi 2:51. Total 72:26

3268 Luken Pasipamire & Chris Mhlanga 1999

Stomping, lively mbira to dance to, even without hosho, and a clear playing style mbira students can learn from. Powerful mbira player Luken Kwari Pasipamire is a veteran of the Mhuri yekwaRwizi group, which was famous in Zimbabwe in the 1960's and '70's. Enjoy the contrast of his gentle vocals with the strong mbira style. Mhlanga is known for his mbira building, as well as his playing. (Formerly Tape No. 268)
1. Nhema musasa 14:21, Bukatiende 6:02; Taireva 12:03, Taireva 5:56, Bangidza 6:26, Chawasarira 6:04; Nhimutimu 8:43, Kari mugomba 3:19, Mahororo 16:00.

3303 Chaka Chawasarira - Matepe Mbira 2000

The 34-key matepe, or hera, is the mbira of the Korekore group of the Shona people, who are located in northern Zimbabwe. This recording of senior musician and educator Chaka Chawasarira was made at his home at rural Zengea School, where he was headmaster, in 2000. He has now retired and relocated. Enjoy his wonderful mbira playing, and his vocals that fit with it so, so perfectly.
1. Kumuchenjedza muTonga 13:09, 2. Musengu 11:12, 3. Musumbu wederere 8:11, 4. Mwana wamambo haanonzarwo 5:57, 5. Urombo ndehwevanhu vese 3:29, 6. Ndonda 5:10, 7. Pasipanodya 4:21, 8. Kanotamba mubani 6:12, 9. Kari mugomba 3:07, 10. Dimbotimbo 5:49, 11. Kumuchenjedza muTonga yekutanga 4:26, 12. Nyamaropa 3:04. Total 74:58

Commercial CDs (out of print, available only from MBIRA):

1001  Mbira Dreams - Erica Azim

Traditional Shona mbira music performed in a meditative style on Dambatsoko, nyamaropa and gandanga tuning instruments - available on CD ($20) or cassette ($13 - order no. 2002).(Relaxation Co.)
1. Kurara Wayi Kunetenge Kufa (Nyamaropa) 9:06, 2. Shumba yaNgwasha 8:37, 3. Chimbo Chewakare (Shumba) 7:53, 4. Chipindura 5:49, 5. Chakwi 6:49, 6. Bangidza (with Todd Boekelheide) 5:15, 7. Ndomutenda mambo 7:40.

1004  Trance 3

Forward Kwenda playing Tadzungaira and Gonamombe Rerume on a mountaintop in Mhondoro at sunset (23 minutes). Completely transcendent. A soaring of the spirit! The balance of the CD is Japanese shakuhachi and Tembang Sunda music of West Java - the compilation of the three works amazingly well. CD only. (Ellipsis Arts)

Commercial CDs (in print):

1002  Forward Kwenda - Svikiro: Meditations of an Mbira Master

In Zimbabwe, a savannah land of tall grasses, granite hills and acacia trees, rain is of paramount importance. The svikiro is a human keeper of a spirit which has the power to provide or withhold rain from the land. In his early teens, Forward Kwenda was selected by these rainmaking spirits to sing and play the ancient mbira dzavadzimu at ceremonies. A self-taught, intuitive musical prodigy, Forward was in constant demand to perform and record within two years of starting to play the mbira. "When I pick up my mbira, I don't know what is going to happen..he music just goes by itself, taking me higher and higher until I can end up crying because the music is so much greater than a human being can understand." This is the first Forward Kwenda CD; Erica Azim plays with Forward on some cuts. (Shanachie)
1. Kanhurura 5:19, 2. Gonamombe rerume 5:58, 3. Zvichapera chete 6:38, 4. Chipembere nhimutimu 4:52, 5. Tadzungaira 10:34, 6. Chipembere 7:09, 7. Mukai tiende 7:20, 8. Mandarendare 5:36, 9. Chipindura 5:34, 10. Mahororo 6:23, 11. Chidhangechidhange 4:41.

1005  Mbira: Healing Music of Zimbabwe

Erica Azim plays low pitched mbiras (Dambatsoko and Nemakonde tunings) in a meditative style intended for healing. CD only. (Relaxation Co.)
1. Kariga mombe yekare, 2. Mukai tiende, 3. Nyamaropa, 4. Dangu rangu, 5. Nyamaropa yeVaNhowe, 6. Taireva, 7. Nyama musango

1008  Cosmas Magaya & Beauler Dyoko: Afamba Apota

A wonderful CD for mbira students - clear straight-ahead playing and Ambuya Beauler Dyoko's famous lyrics. These are two of Erica Azim's first mbira teachers (back in 1974!) - hear the source. If you took lessons or singing workshops from Dyoko or Magaya during their performances over the years in North America or Europe, this CD will help you brush up.
1. Chipindura, 2. Dande, 3. Nhema musasa, 4. Taireva, 5. Kuzanga, 6. Shumba, 7. Muka tiende, 8. Kusarima, 9. Kusuwa musha, 10. Kuyenzera, 11. Chipembere

1009 Mama's Lullaby

A collection of lullabies from all over the world, sung by mothers. One is an mbira song with Erica Azim. (Ellipsis Arts)

Mbira Piece Intensives (digital and remastered analog recordings) available only from MBIRA - in CD Format. These are new collections, not the same as the old "Piece Tapes":

3900 Kariga mombe

3901 Kuzanga

3902 Nhema musasa 2003

3903 Nyama musango

3905 Taireva

3910 Chipindura

3911 Shumba yaNgwasha/Shumba yemukuwasha

3918 Ngozi yemuroora

3923 Kariga mombe - gandanga tuning

3933 Chipembere - gandanga/mavembe tuning

To order CDs, go to Recordings Order Form