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Artist
Matemai Mbira Group
8+ albums
traditionalpercussionzimbabwefolktry
about
Newton Cheza Chozengwa, commonly addressed by his totem name “Matemai” (elephant), is a respected master musician, singer and instrument maker from Zimbabwe. A self-taught musician, he has developed his own musical style with his complex mbira arrangements and striking voice that can pierce hearts and the heavens. Matemai was born 1952 in Mhondoro reserve, central Zimbabwe, and later moved to Dande, in the northeast to the region of the Korekore. At a young age, he was so taken with mbira music that he would constantly hear it, even when no one was playing nearby. It was also difficult for him to concentrate on his studies because he also had visions of mbira appear to him in his waking life. Mbira music is an ancient music played by certain groups of Shona people who live in Zimbabwe and Mozambique. At its origin, mbira’s main function is to communicate with the spirit world, its sound opens up the space for trance-possession. During ceremonies, people are able to get advice and wisdom from their ancestors through spirit mediums. Today in Zimbabwe the mbira is still actively used in traditional ceremonies, as well as for general entertainment at concerts, or in government and other social community events. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.
