Rimuka Rine Ngoma & Edith Katiji- a jungleful of song
Edith Katiji on bass. PHOTO: Christian Hoppe
This Thursday 23 October sees a visit to one of Harare’s top live arts venues by the group ‘Rimuka Rine Ngoma’, a unique fusion of traditional mbira and the southern African simanjemanje, which is loosely gathered under the afro jazz umbrella, in an exciting double-bill with the dynamic singer, composer, bassist and actress, Edith Katiji.
Hailing from Zimbabwe’s second largest city, Bulawayo – City of Kings – the group was formed by founder member Hudson Simbarashe in 2004, and plays in and around the city, with occasional visits to the capital, including HIFA last year.
This is the group’s second performance at The Mannenberg in Harare, courtesy of the jazz development programme of Pamberi Trust, with support from the W.F.Kellogg Foundation. Read more
Zimbabwe’s little flame
Out of the deep dungeon, it juts
Now, look at its bloom
Hanging above the eastern skies
So crimson like the birth of a new flame-lily,
As softly as a newborn’s heartbeat,
It rises —
Painting hearts in its awakening self -
Embellishing dreams of a new beginning
Weaving with its thread-like fingers something fresh,
Something as bright as grandmother’s tales
O, it echoes -
Telling everyone to prepare a place in the heart
Silently, it asks: are you ready to
Tend to this little flame called Zimbabwe?
