Late Mbira Legend Chiwoniso Maraire’s Collaborative Album Chimanimani Set for Release 12 Years After Her Passing

The Zimbabwean mbira icon Chiwoniso Maraire is poised to reemerge in the music scene with the posthumous release of Chimanimani, a collaborative album recorded with celebrated poet Chirikure Chirikure back in 2008. This much-anticipated project has faced numerous hurdles over the past decade, but fans will finally get to experience this powerful fusion of mbira melodies and evocative poetry—12 years after Maraire’s untimely death.

In a recent interview, Chirikure described the album’s journey as a “labour of love,” marked by a series of delays primarily caused by financial challenges and the tragic loss of Maraire. “It has taken so long because many factors came into play,” he explained. “Firstly, the finances and studio expenses consumed most of our resources. Then I had to attend a programme in Germany, and during that time, Chiwoniso sadly passed away.”

Adding to the complications, the original recording studio where Chimanimani was produced eventually closed down, forcing the team to track down the sound engineers and recover the master tapes. “We then sat down with Keith Farquharson and his new studio, Bridgenorth, who readily took the product on board. So we are going to publish it under the Bridgenorth label,” Chirikure revealed.

Chimanimani blends Maraire’s masterful mbira playing—a traditional Zimbabwean instrument known for its soulful, hypnotic tones—with Chirikure’s poignant poetry, reflecting themes of heritage, loss, and resilience. The album promises to be a fitting tribute to Maraire’s enduring influence on Zimbabwean music and culture.

Regarding the proceeds from the album, Chirikure confirmed that all earnings will go directly to Maraire’s family. “As things stand, Chengeto Maraire Brown, who manages her mother’s estate, will be receiving any proceeds that come through from the album,” he stated.

Chiwoniso Maraire remains one of Zimbabwe’s most beloved and influential musicians, known for her efforts to popularize the mbira internationally and for her powerful voice that bridged tradition with contemporary sounds. The release of Chimanimani offers both longtime fans and new listeners a chance to celebrate her legacy and experience her artistry anew.

With Chimanimani set for release, Zimbabwean music enthusiasts eagerly await the revival of a project that honors the memory and talent of one of their finest cultural ambassadors.