Eight hours of music, dance, and more to commemorate International Women’s Day
Its been 99 years since the first International Women’s Day was held in 1911 and this year, with the global United Nations theme: Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities: Progress for All, the world once again celebrates with thousands of events being held globally to inspire women and celebrate their economic, political and social achievements past, present and future. On the 8th March, a global web of rich and diverse local activity connects women from all around the world, ranging from political rallies, business conferences, and government activities and networking events through to local women’s craft markets, theatrical performances, fashion parades and more. Read more
An unforgettable intimate night with Hope
Hope Masike performs at HIFA 2009
We went. We saw. We were enthralled. Hope Masike neKakuwe’s launch of their debut album was a thrilling experience and helped remind all in attendance that a truly remarkable talent is being born in our midst. The album, simply called Hope, was launched on Friday evening at the Delta Gallery Amphitheatre in Harare on Friday, 8 May 2009 in one of the most well- thought out, creative and well- organised functions by a local artiste.
That Masike had invested her passion and enthusiasm into the occasion was obvious right from the entrance leading into the Delta Gallery premises. On hand to welcome guests with audacious fire eating and juggling antics was a gifted performer whose offering was harbinger of the general ambiance of the whole evening. Spectacle and creative genius were on hand. The pathway was imaginatively lit with a transcendal glow from candles in coloured holders, as if they ethereal lanterns welcoming guests to another world, an enchanting world full of charm and wonder.
This enthralling theme of charm and magic was carried on the amphitheatre itself where the surprisingly huge multi- racial audience who had come to bear witness to what many of us have known all along, Hope Masike neKakuwe are no fly- by night artistes. Rather this eclectic young band is made up of a rare breed of gifted, committed and passionate music virtuosos destined to take their craft to dizzy heights both at home and abroad. Read more
Out of the ruins, a vision of Hope is born
Hope Masike
The makings of a true diva
Have you ever wondered what it must be like for the Infinite Being to be witness to wonder of the formation of stars, right from the very beginning? (We mortals get to experience the splendour and majesty of stars billions of years afterwards…) Though we are not immortal, we are, however, from time to time, given a rare privilege to be witnesses to the birth of stars within our lifetime. We are honoured to watch them come forth and shine. Hope Masike neKakuwe never cease to give me this feeling.
“Once this woman grows out of the scholastic mode, she’s going to hit the stratosphere,” observed Edgar Langeveld. A combination of Hope’s sultry looks, with echoes of Queen Nerfetiti- under the headdress that spoke of many Nubian queens who have walked this continent in ages now gone, and the delivery of the songs in a voice that seemed to have dipped in honey, steeped in the deepest of earth and heaven’s delights had solicited the remark. Read more
Hope is the magic behind Kakuwe
New. Exciting. Hope Masike (Photo: Pamberi Trust).
Portrait of a Rising Star
An new exciting sound, filled with a fragrance of hope rooted in Zimbabwe, imbued with echoes of Africa and the African Diaspora, has come to the fore. The force behind the magical renaissance is Hope Masike and Kakuwe Band.
Kakuwe’s sound is eclectic fusion music with deep earthy traditional rhythms driven by pulsating nyunganyunga (mbira) strains, infectious West African djembe drumming, a soul nourishing thumping bassline and mystical marimba melodies, with a poignant recorder weaving through it all like a cool breeze.
These are infectious melodies born of a vision nurtured by talented Zimbabwe College of Music Ethnomusicology students in search of their musical identity. They call themselves Kakuwe, after the “Go Away Bird” whose call in the forest warns the rest of forest’s inhabitants of impending danger. The group’s vision and sound is steeped in the Zimbabwean landscape, with its questing spirit reaching out to vibrant Pan- African elements to come with a unique style. Read more
