Midlands Marimba Arts Festival Celebrates Traditional Music and Cultural Heritage

The Midlands Marimba Arts Festival lived up to its reputation by highlighting Zimbabwe’s rich traditional marimba music and cultural identity. Held last weekend in Gweru, the festival embraced the theme, Heritage-Based Curriculum: Starting From What We Have. The event brought together school bands, community performers, and marimba enthusiasts, culminating in a celebration of music, education, and cultural pride.

Participants included Lundi Park Primary School, Ascot High School, and other community groups. Performances were judged, and several young talents were recognised. Xae Magura from Lundi Park Primary School won the Youngest Award, while Atidaishe Mlambo scooped the Most Versatile Award. Midlands artist Uncle Changa received the Most Dedicated Voluntary Marimba Coach Award for his contribution to nurturing local talent.

Kingstone John, a Midlands businessman and farmer, served as the festival’s guest speaker. He praised festival founder and executive director Tinomutenda Chihora for organising a cultural platform that promotes Zimbabwe’s musical heritage. “His dream is clear and unwavering, to create a happy, musically literate Zimbabwe that cherishes its musical heritage and uplifts the traditional instruments that connect us to our roots, especially the marimba,” John said.

John highlighted that this year’s theme aligned education with cultural identity. He described it as a means to root learning in local culture while elevating indigenous knowledge systems as central to national development. He also commended the festival for recognising young performers, composers, and creators. “By recognising these budding legends, the festival loudly says that our future heroes of music are already among us and they are rooted in heritage,” he added.

Chihora, the festival’s founder and director, outlined plans for expanding the festival’s impact. He stated the initiative aims to reach children’s homes and prisons, providing psycho-social support through marimba and mbira music. The festival also intends to promote performance skills and the transcription of traditional music for digital platforms. Chihora called on corporate partners for financial support to achieve these goals.

The Midlands State University Master’s Class played a key role in organising this year’s edition. The festival continues to serve as a launchpad for Zimbabwe’s next generation of musical talent, celebrating traditional instruments and fostering cultural pride.

Last year’s festival also saw school bands winning trophies, medals, and certificates, reinforcing the Midlands Marimba Arts Festival as an important annual event that combines education, culture, and music.