Mawungira Enharira
Mbira Group from Zimbabwe
In their village of Norton, an hour West of Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe, Mawungira Enharira members are known for their open rehearsals in which anyone can come and play mbira, hosho, ngoma, dance, or sing with them. It is through these rehearsals that the village of Norton has been able to cultivate young talent that has gone on to form spectacular traditional music bands that in turn perform in venues across Zimbabwe.
The group is adept at teaching community singing and dancing workshops. Each member of the group is a gwenyambira (master mbira player) in his own right and in their free time the members of Mawungira Enharira play at traditional ceremonies for their families and communities.
Their meteoric rise to the top of the popular music charts in Zimbabwe is a testament to their skill at making traditional music not only more accessible, but also socially conscious and highly entertaining.
Individual Bios:
Wilfred Tichaona Mafrika (Nyamasvisva)
Nyamasvisva is the backbone of the 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. Nyamasvisva sings in a high falsetto voice that effortlessly contrasts his bass notes on the mbira. He is a renowned for his telling of traditional Shona stories.
Edmond Micah Munhemo (Mudyanevana)
Mudyanevana is an elder with a deep sense of history and a presence that bespeaks of a shaman. 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. Audiences have been drawn to tears
as soon as Mudyanevana's playing.
Jacob Mafuleni (Soko)
Soko is a multitalented qwenyambira who is as equally adept at the ngoma as he is at the mbira. Soko is a highly sought-after musician in Zimbabwe, performing with renowned musician Chiwoniso Maraire & Vibe Culture.
Tonderai Ndava (Mwendamberi)
Mwendamberi is the youngest member of Mawungira Enharira, this gwenyambira is routinely summoned to play at traditional spiritual ceremonies in his village, an honor few mbira players experience in their lifetime. His mbira style is highly improvisational and yet deeply spiritual at the same time.
Tonderai Phiri (Soko)
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. Soko is often seen interacting with the audiences and joining them in an impromptu dance sequence.
Peachson Ngoshi (Mhofu)
Mhofu's hosho is the crucial backbone to everything that happens in a Mawungira Enharira performance. Often understated in his playing, Mhofu can whip a Mawungira Enharira arrangement into a frenzy with the stroke of one hand. 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. 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.