The story of the marimba in Zimbabwe is one of innovation, cultural preservation, and adaptation. The modern Zimbabwean marimba, as it is known today, emerged in the 1960s, marking a significant development in the country’s musical landscape. This period of innovation occurred at the Kwanongoma College of African Music in Bulawayo. The college played a pivotal role in reintroducing and popularizing the marimba in Zimbabwe, transforming it into a cornerstone of the nation’s musical identity.
Background of Kwanongoma College
The establishment of Kwanongoma College of African Music in 1961 by Robert Sibson was a landmark event in the history of Zimbabwean music. The college was dedicated to the preservation and promotion of African music traditions, with a particular focus on training teachers to continue these traditions. Located in Bulawayo, Kwanongoma College specialized in African music education, striving to safeguard the rich musical heritage of Zimbabwe and ensure its transmission to future generations.
Sibson’s vision for Kwanongoma College was not only to provide education but also to foster innovation within African musical traditions. By focusing on teacher training, the college aimed to create a ripple effect, ensuring that the knowledge and skills imparted to the students would be disseminated widely across the country. This approach was crucial in maintaining the vibrancy and relevance of Zimbabwean music in a rapidly changing world.
Choice of the Marimba
The decision to adopt the marimba as a primary instrument for instruction at Kwanongoma College was driven by several factors. The marimba was seen as an ideal African instrument for music education due to its versatility, accessibility, and the richness of its sound. Unlike some other traditional instruments, the marimba was not specifically linked to any one indigenous group within Zimbabwe, which made it a unifying instrument that could be embraced by diverse communities across the nation.
The marimba’s ability to produce a wide range of tones and its suitability for ensemble performance made it an attractive choice for both educational and performance purposes. Its resonance and rhythmic possibilities allowed for the exploration of complex musical ideas, making it a valuable tool for teaching and learning African music. Additionally, the marimba’s relatively simple construction and the availability of materials contributed to its selection as an instructional instrument.
Development of the Zimbabwean Marimba
The journey of the marimba at Kwanongoma College began with the efforts of Nelson Jones in 1962. Jones built the first marimbas for the college, but these initial instruments faced limitations due to the use of soft wood, which affected their durability and sound quality. Recognizing the need for improvement, the college sought the expertise of Josiah Siyembe Mathe, a skilled craftsman who brought valuable knowledge to the project.
Mathe’s contribution was instrumental in the development of the Zimbabwean marimba. Drawing inspiration from the Selimba, an instrument used by the Lozi people of southwest Zambia, Mathe constructed marimbas that addressed the earlier limitations. The Selimba’s design provided a blueprint for creating robust and resonant marimbas suitable for Zimbabwean musical traditions. Mathe’s work laid the foundation for the modern Zimbabwean marimba, blending traditional craftsmanship with innovative techniques.
The evolution of the Zimbabwean marimba continued with Michael Bhule, who played a pivotal role in refining the instrument. Bhule built the first complete set of Zimbabwean marimbas as we know them today, establishing a standard for their construction and performance. His contributions ensured that the marimba became an integral part of Zimbabwean music, celebrated for its distinctive sound and cultural significance.
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Types of Zimbabwean Marimbas
The development and popularization of the marimba in Zimbabwe led to the emergence of three main types of Zimbabwean marimbas, each with unique characteristics and contributions to the musical landscape.
Dumisani Maraire’s Exported Build
Dumisani Maraire, a prominent Zimbabwean musician and educator, played a crucial role in introducing Zimbabwean marimba music to the world. His exported build of the marimba featured wooden frames with specific adjustments to the resonators and larger bass instruments. This design aimed to enhance the marimba’s sound quality and adaptability for international audiences. Maraire’s efforts helped to raise the global profile of Zimbabwean marimba music, making it accessible and appreciated beyond the country’s borders.
Common Type Outside the USA
In the 1970s, the Zimbabwean marimba underwent further refinement by Olof Axelsson, Alport Mhlanga, and Elliot Ndlovu. This collaboration resulted in a common type of marimba widely used outside the USA. These marimbas featured fiberglass resonators, a bark-like finish, and steel frames, combining durability with aesthetic appeal. The design improvements made these marimbas more suitable for diverse climatic conditions and extended their lifespan. This type of marimba became popular in various educational and performance settings, contributing to the instrument’s global reach.
Traditional Builds in Zimbabwe and Botswana
The most commonly found type of marimba within Zimbabwe and Botswana adheres closely to traditional construction methods. These marimbas are typically made using locally sourced materials, maintaining a connection to indigenous craftsmanship and cultural practices. The traditional builds emphasize the natural resonance and warmth of the instrument, preserving its authenticity and cultural significance. In Zimbabwe and Botswana, these marimbas are integral to community music-making and cultural celebrations, embodying the rich musical heritage of the region.
Cultural Significance of the Marimba in Zimbabwe
The marimba holds a special place in Zimbabwean culture, serving as a bridge between traditional music and contemporary expressions. Its versatility allows it to be used in various musical genres, from traditional African rhythms to modern fusion styles. The marimba’s prominence in educational settings, community events, and professional performances highlights its importance in the cultural fabric of Zimbabwe.
Marimba music often accompanies traditional dances and ceremonies, playing a vital role in storytelling and communal activities. The instrument’s melodic and rhythmic capabilities make it ideal for conveying complex emotional narratives and fostering a sense of unity among performers and audiences. The marimba’s presence in these cultural contexts underscores its role as a vehicle for cultural preservation and innovation.
The Marimba’s Global Influence
The Zimbabwean marimba’s journey from Kwanongoma College to the global stage is a testament to its adaptability and appeal. Musicians and educators around the world have embraced the marimba, incorporating it into diverse musical traditions and educational curricula. This global influence has contributed to a greater appreciation of Zimbabwean music and culture, fostering cross-cultural exchange and understanding.
In the United States, Europe, and other parts of the world, Zimbabwean marimba ensembles have emerged, showcasing the instrument’s unique sound and versatility. These ensembles often blend traditional Zimbabwean music with contemporary influences, creating dynamic and innovative performances. The marimba’s global reach has also led to collaborations between Zimbabwean musicians and artists from different cultural backgrounds, resulting in exciting new musical developments.
Conclusion
The modern Zimbabwean marimba is a product of historical innovation, cultural preservation, and cross-cultural exchange. Its development at the Kwanongoma College of African Music in the 1960s marked a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s musical history, establishing the marimba as a key instrument in the nation’s cultural identity. The contributions of craftsmen like Nelson Jones, Josiah Siyembe Mathe, and Michael Bhule were instrumental in shaping the marimba into its current form, blending traditional craftsmanship with innovative techniques.
As the marimba continues to captivate audiences worldwide, it serves as a reminder of the enduring power of music to transcend cultural boundaries and bring people together. The Zimbabwean marimba’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and the unwavering commitment to preserving and celebrating the rich musical traditions of Zimbabwe.
