The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube Entertainment Correspondent —
LOCAL-BASED mbira group, Ntswai Ntswai, hopes to take their mbira-strumming prowess to dizzy heights as they seek to professionalise their brand and compete with other renowned musical groups across all genres regionally and internationally.
The group fared well at the just-ended Ibumba Festival held in Bulawayo where they were representing Manicaland province. The festival which was held under the theme: “Mix it up” saw performers from regional countries such as South Africa and Botswana showcasing some theatrical, sporting and musical activities.
After putting up a scintillating performance at the festival, the group was invited by a Botswana-based Makoriba for a cultural exchange program before they record a collaboration. Makoriba recently won a national award as Botswana best traditional music group.
In an interview, Ntswai Ntswai director, Lino Piloto, believes 2017 is going to be their year as far as building their brand is concerned.
“This is our time to improve our brand. We have really worked hard to reach where we are now and we believe we are destined for greater heights if we keep focused. We aim to keep our vision of producing music that enriches our cultural values and norms with a contemporary influence. Financial and moral support we are receiving from our fans as well as from our UK-based trustees led by Getty Saba keeps us going,” said Piloto.
Added Piloto: “We are going to hold more shows across and outside the country as well as hold more workshops and tutorials in mbira making. We also intend to build synergies with colleges, universities, schools and other stakeholders.”
