. . . Festival to pay special tribute to legendary practitioner and cultural ambassador
By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
HARARE — The 3rd edition of the Bira reMbira Festival will pay special tribute to the late Ambuya Stella Chiweshe, one of Zimbabwe’s foremost mbira practitioners and cultural ambassadors, the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture has announced.
In a press release issued on 21 September 2026, Ministry Secretary Mr Nicholas Moyo said the festival will honour Chiweshe through dedicated performances of her songs in a commemorative segment highlighting her influence on contemporary mbira practice.
“We pay special tribute to the late Ambuya Stella Chiweshe,” Moyo said. “Her remarkable artistic journey, leadership and longstanding commitment to the mbira tradition inspired generations of musicians, cultural practitioners and mbira custodians.”
A Legacy of Excellence
Ambuya Stella Chiweshe was one of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated mbira players, known for her pioneering work in bringing the instrument to international audiences. Her career spanned decades and earned her recognition as a cultural ambassador for Zimbabwe.
She was among the first women to achieve prominence as an mbira player in a field historically dominated by men, breaking barriers and inspiring a generation of female musicians.
Her music blended traditional mbira rhythms with contemporary influences, creating a sound that was both deeply rooted in Zimbabwean heritage and accessible to global audiences.
A Commemorative Segment
The tribute at Bira reMbira 2026 will feature dedicated performances of Chiweshe’s songs, celebrating her contribution to Zimbabwean music and her role in preserving and promoting the mbira tradition.
The segment will highlight her influence on contemporary mbira practice and her enduring legacy as a cultural custodian.
Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future
The tribute to Chiweshe reflects the festival’s broader mission to celebrate Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage while supporting the next generation of practitioners.
The 2026 edition will feature performances by Primary and Secondary School Mbira Ensembles, as well as young creative collectives such as Jaka Arts — ensuring that the legacy of artists like Chiweshe continues to inspire young Zimbabweans.
Ambuya Stella Chiweshe’s daughter Mukunda Mukwesha, says she will keep her legacy alive through her own compositions and her rich choreography.
A Festival of Remembrance and Celebration
The Bira reMbira Festival, now in its third edition, has become an important annual celebration of Zimbabwe’s culture and heritage. The 2026 edition will be held under the theme: “Roots to Markets – Empowering Makers, Players and Markets.”
Organised by Chipaz Promotions, Jive and Diana Samkange, the festival will take place on Friday, 25 September 2026 at Glamis Arena, Harare, from 10am until 6am the following morning. Entry is free.
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