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biographies
MAWUNGIRA ENHARIRA with Ruzivo
Wilfed Tichaona Mafrika (Nyamasvisva)
Nyamasvisva is the backbone of the group. Having cut his teeth with Mbira Dzenharira, Nyamasvisva broke off to start Mawungira Enhararira with several other former members of Mbira Dzenharira. As in the previous group, Nyamasvisva is the lead singer, composer and arranger of Mawungira Enharira's repertoire. He plays the Nhovapasi (bass) mbira in a way that has transformed how younger mbira enthusiasts in
Zimbabwe
learn the instrument. Blessed with a wide vocal range, Nyamasvisva often sings in a high falsetto voice that effortlessly contrasts his bass notes on the mbira. Nyamasvisva is also a keen student of traditional Shona culture and that, despite his relatively young age, has made him a highly sought after cultural expert within
Zimbabwe
. He is also renowned for his storytelling based on traditional folklore.
Edmond
Micah Munhemo (Mudyanevana)
Mudyanevana is the old man with a deep sense of history and a presence that bespeaks of a shaman. In Mawungira Enharira's repertoire, his Nheketo (high lead) mbira lines are sparsely laid out and yet have the effect of filling the whole sound. His graceful presence and backing vocals make Mawungira Enharira's live performances unmistakably special, as if one is in the middle of a healing ceremony at the same time that one is dancing to their music. Countless times, audiences have been drawn to tears as soon as Mudyanevana's nheketo mbira comes in, as if their souls have been touched by the mbira and spoken to in a way that can only be understood in the spirit world. His facial expressions when he plays the mbira are those of a man playing with, and for the spirits.
Jacob Mafuleni (Soko)
Soko is a multitalented qwenyambira who is as equally adept at the ngoma as he is at the mbira. His Dongonda (sub-rhythm) mbira fleshes out Nyamasvisva's bass and Mudyanevana's lead mbiras, giving voice to the rich harmonies and intricate interlocking parts that emerge from multiple players. Soko is a highly sought-after musician in
Zimbabwe
, performing with renowned musician Chiwoniso Maraire & Vibe Culture as well as emerging mbira group Nhare DzeChirorodziva when he's not playing with Mawungira Enharira.
Tonderai Ndava (Mwendamberi)
Tonde II, as he was affectionately nicknamed by some American students in Zimbabwe, Mwendamberi is the youngest member of Mawungira Enharira, though to watch the transformation he undergoes on-stage, one would not guess that at 25 years old, this gwenyambira is routinely summoned to play at traditional spiritual ceremonies in his village, an honor few mbira players experience in their lifetime. Mwendamberi plays the Hweva (rhythm) mbira and often fills in on the Nheketo in some of Mawungira Enharira's performances. His mbira style is highly improvisational and yet deeply spiritual at the same time. Eyes closed for most of the performance, pacing back and forth as if playing a little game with the audience, Mwendamberi is entertaining to watch when he gets into a groove, as he starts to wildly shake his dreadlocks in sync with what he is playing.
Tonderai Phiri (Soko)
Nicknamed Tonde I by the aforementioned American students, Soko is an amazing dancer, hosho player, mbira player and drummer. This gives him the unique role of dancer, body percussionist, hosho player and court jester for Mawungira Enharira. The group's performances would not be the same without this energetic musician to stir the audience into a frenzy. His hosho improvisation sends shivers down one's spine, with strong pulses and fluid swooshes that other experienced hosho players still envy. During Mawungira Enharira performances, Soko is often seen interacting and engaging with the audiences, doing blessings with his hosho or dancing stick, as well as joining audience members in an impromptu dance sequence that almost always leaves one wanting more.
Peacheson Ngoshi (Mhofu)
Mhofu's hosho is the crucial backbone to everything that happens in a Mawungira Enharira performance. Without it, Nyamasvisva's Nhovapasi would be flailing about in search of a grounding downbeat, Mudyanevana's high Nheketo lines would have no frame of reference to give them that sparse feel, and the two rhythm mbiras would be lost in the shuffle, not to mention the improvisational hosho and body percussion of Soko that definitely requires the presence of a strong pulse! Often understated in his playing, Mhofu can whip a Mawungira Enharira arrangement into a frenzy with the stroke of one hand so subtly that it almost seems as if he is whispering into everyone's ear that they need to speed up. In addition to his hosho, Mhofu is also an amazing mbira player in his own right.
Loebbe Tigere Gahamadze (Samaita)
As their band manager, off-stage, Samaita keeps Mawungira Enharira running like a well-oiled machine. Having managed Mbira Dzenharira before taking over management duties for Mawungira Enharira, Samaita is as well versed in traditional Shona culture and spirituality as the players in the band. He does an amazing job of educating people about the history of the mbira, Shona customs and spirituality, as well as the arts and entertainment business in
Zimbabwe
today. Under his management, Mbira Dzenharira won numerous national arts awards in
Zimbabwe
, and Samaita has continued his phenomenal ways in guiding Mawungira Enharira to win numerous awards that used to go to Mbira Dzenharira.
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