The organisers of the 2025 Bira Rembira Festival are set to launch outreach programmes next month aimed at connecting with artists across various provinces.
The festival, founded by Partson “Chipaz” Chimbodza, Diana “Mangwenya” Samkange, and Benjamin “Nyamasvisva” Nyandoro, was first held in 2024 at Gwanzura Stadium and has since gained recognition as an annual event celebrating the mbira as part of Zimbabwe’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The organisers are planning to engage young talent by visiting every region of Zimbabwe, following the success of last year’s event.
Chimbodza highlighted the festival’s success and expressed gratitude for government support, noting that over 30 groups showed interest in participating in the previous edition. He also mentioned their plans to collaborate with mbira groups from Malawi, strengthening cultural ties between the two countries.
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Samkange, who will take on roles as both an organiser and performer, outlined plans to involve more young people and promote the mbira instrument across various levels of education.
Nyandoro emphasized the importance of combating misconceptions surrounding the mbira and promoting it as a symbol of African identity and pride.
The 2025 edition will take place at Glamis Stadium in Harare, with a series of outreach activities planned to engage communities nationwide and foster the next generation of mbira talent.
The organisers are eager to build on the success of last year’s event and expand the festival’s reach with the support of both local and corporate partners.
