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By Desire Tshuma
Takawira Tagara, a Guruve born Mbira artiste has released his first album regardless of challenges induced by the global pandemic that has claimed millions.
As Covid 19 is still taking a toll in other countries, Zimbabwe is doing better in following World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines strictly. As a result, President Emerson Mnangagwa relaxed lockdown restrictions. The arts industry is yet to resume live shows but most gatherings are restricted to not more than 50 people.
”Music is in my DNA. I started music when I was in primary school. As someone who was born in a family that follows African traditions of worshipping ancestors, we always do traditional rites to honour our departed ancestors. We play Mbira music when we conduct such traditional functions so I was inspired by these functions to the point that I decided to establish a mbira music band,” said Tagara.
Before he formed his band, Tagara was attached to Hohodza Hot Marimba group, and Sound of Motherland Dzanambira. He also worked with Howard Harimendi.
”Vanhu Vanokanganwa” is an eight-track album that was released in 2020 and recorded by T&C studio in the Queensdale suburb of Harare.
”Covid-19 lockdown is seriously affecting our industry since the government has not yet allowed us to do live shows due to the risks of infectious from the killer pandemic. On this, I urge my colleagues in the music industry to diversify and venture into other income-generating projects. As for me, right now I’m into mushroom farming and I can manage to survive with my family ,” Tagara said.
He pleaded with the government to crack down on piracy as it bars musicians from benefit from all the fruits of their work. Recently, the association of artists met the deputy Minister of Youths, culture, arts and sports Honourable Tino Machakaire in an effort to persuade the Ministry to reopen the Arts industry. The matter is yet to be finalized and is awaiting the supreme judgment.