The Soul Of Mbira - Paul Berliner

 

Nyamaropa

The Soul Of Mbira

Traditions of the Shona People of Rhodesia

Recorded in Rhodesia by Paul Berliner

Coordinator: Teresa Sterne

Art Director: Robert L. Heimall

Cover Art: Donald Leake

Cover Design: Robert L. Heimall

Tape Editing: Ben Taylor & David Lewiston

Matering: Robert C. Ludwig (Sterling Sound, Inc.)

Explorer Series Nonsuch STEREO H-72054

1973

From the back cover: Mbira music is one of the most ancient and popular forms of music found throughout black Africa. Its myriad forms constitute a contribution of unique richness to the world's music.

The mbira has always been essential to traditional Shona culture and its players held in high esteem, providing music not only for entertainment but also for the most important occasion, ranging from the coronation of chiefs to religious ceremonies. Today, while mbira players are professionals by the nature of their commitment and skill, they often have to supplement their income through other vocations. Of the artist heard here, Mr. Mude is an upholsterer and businessman; Mr. Mashoko works as a catechist for the Roman Catholic Church; Mr. Kunaka is a skilled blacksmith and carpenter.

The mbira is an instrument consisting of keys mounted over a bridge on a hardwood sound-board. Shona moires range in numbers of keys from eight to fifty-two. They are generally played inside large gourd resonators decorated with shells and (more recently) bottle tops. The gourds shape and amplify the sound of the mbira, and the shells provide a buzzing quality – an integral part of the music. A basic rhythmic accompaniment to the mbira is often provided by gourd rattles called hosho. In this album, four major mbira traditions are represented: the Mbira Dza Vadzimu, Mateoe, Njari, and Nimbi. Their playing techniques range from the use of two thumbs to both thumbs and index fingers.

We are greatly indebted to the performers, whose love of mbira and conviction that mbira music holds universal meaning made these recordings possible.

Shnoa terms used in these notes are of the chiZezura dialect.

Nhemamusasa - Recorded in Kwaramba Village, Mondoro

Taireva - Recorded in Highfields, Salisbury

Nyamaropa - Recorded in Highfields, Salisbury

Kuyadya Hove Kune Mazove - Recorded in Mkota district, Mtoko

Mbiri Viri - Recorded in Gien Clova, Ft. Victoria

Nhimutimu - Recorded at Nyamweda, Mondoro

Nyamoropa Yevana Vava - Recorded at Dambatstoko, Rusape

Dang Rangu - Recorded at Musondza Village, Mondoro

Kumakudo - Recorded at Glen Cova, Ft. Victoria