Maria Chiguvari
AFRO-FUSION musical band, Gwevedzi, is determined to make a lasting impact on the lives of the Dzivaresekwa community through music.
The band believes that it is a bridge that connects the younger and old generations.
Their music is centered on telling colourful stories that depict every day realities through rhythm, words, cultural diversity and harmonised vocals.
On Friday, the band was live at Theatre in the Park for the Gwevedzi Rebirth Concert.
Gwevedzi’s music roots are embedded in deep Shona lyrics with a fusion of other languages.
Speaking to H-Metro, Tinashe William Masangudza, who is the group’s representative, said:
“Dzivaresekwa has different people from Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique, among the others, who come from different backgrounds and cultures.
“Our creating process is not difficult because we create what is happening in our society, we see situations first and discuss them as a band.
“We are trying to rebrand ourselves so that we should reach every corner of Zimbabwe, so far, we have been doing well given that we performed at the Jacaranda music festival.”
Gwevedzi was founded on June 23, 2016, by Nyasha Hugin Murada (lead vocalist, mbira), Tinashe William Masangudza (guitar, backing vocalist), and Wilfred Nikisi (bassist).
The trio was born and bred in Dzivaresekwa and drew inspiration from the likes of Oliver Mtukudzi, Bhundu Boys and Mbira DzeNharira.
“For the past seven years, we have learnt to appreciate each other and have managed to create a bond that is strong.
“We are no longer just a band but brothers as we have also managed to build a relationship between our families.”
Gwevedzi has continued to make great strides on the music scene, getting booked for many live shows, recording an opening billboard track for a TV drama, teaching music and perfecting their craft.
“We have had the privilege to do sound tracks from movies like Mirage and other drama series.”