Zimbabwe College of Music and Mbiravolution Unite for a Groundbreaking Masterclass

PATIENCE MUSA

In a melodic dance between tradition and innovation, the Zimbabwe College of Music (ZCM) is striking a chord that resonates deep within the nation’s cultural soul.

The institution — a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s musical heritage — has announced a captivating collaboration with Mbiravolution, led by the ever-passionate Ethnomusicologist and mbira virtuoso, Hector Rufaro Mugani.

On the last Thursday in October, the ZCM campus at C3 Civic Centre, Rotten Row, Harare, will come alive with the hypnotic hum of metal keys and ancestral rhythm as it hosts an exclusive mbira masterclass — “Manomwe Mazwi: The Mbira Tool Kit.”

In a beautiful act of giving back, Mugani — a proud ZCM alumnus — has slashed the workshop fee by 50%, describing the gesture as his way of saying thank you to the institution that shaped his journey.

“At a point in life, it is essential to pay gratitude to the spaces that mould a person into who they are,” he reflects. “The Zimbabwe College of Music has always been my musical home away from home. This workshop is my homage — a celebration of the place that grounded my art and gave me purpose.”

For students and aspiring musicians, this generous reduction is more than a discount — it’s a doorway. A rare opportunity to access world-class ethnomusicological training, complete with exclusive learning materials from Mugani’s forthcoming book Manomwe Mazwi: The Mbira Tool Kit. Participants will also walk away with a Certificate of Participation, jointly awarded by Mbiravolution and ZCM — a badge of honour in Zimbabwe’s vibrant music ecosystem.

This isn’t just another workshop. It’s an immersion — a journey through sound and spirit. Mugani will peel back the layers of mbira music, introducing fresh frameworks that simplify what was once complex. From understanding Shona scales and chord creation to mastering notation techniques, the curriculum is a revolution in itself — blending ancestral knowledge with modern pedagogy.

The “Manomwe Mazwi” approach challenges the old notion that mbira must only live in traditional spaces. Instead, it opens the instrument to new worlds — jazz, reggae, classical, even electronic music — all while preserving its sacred core.

“A powerful artistic identity comes from blending traditional methods with modern approaches,” says ZCM Director Rachel Jera. “This workshop embodies our mission to nurture virtuosos who carry indigenous knowledge into the global music stage.”

If mbira had a modern-day storyteller, it would be Hector Rufaro Mugani. His life reads like a melody — one verse rooted in heritage, the next soaring into innovation. A graduate of ZCM, Mugani has worked with an array of Zimbabwean mbira players and instrument makers, co-founded the electrifying mbira-punk band Chikwata.263, and pioneered the Electric Mbira — a bold fusion of sound and technology.

His composition Hurukurona Nyamasase recently earned international recognition, chosen for performance at Germany’s prestigious Narrow Sea Concert this November by Lee Ferguson’s Black Forest Percussion Group. With this, Mugani carries the spirit of Zimbabwe’s mbira to global audiences — where ancient sound meets modern applause.

Founded in 1948 by the visionary Eileen Reynolds, the Zimbabwe College of Music remains a sanctuary for sound, rhythm, and artistry. From traditional Zimbabwean music to jazz and classical, ZCM continues to produce musical artisans who honour the past while creating the future. Its mission is to be the most sought-after hub of musical education and cultural celebration on the continent.

The upcoming workshop is more than an event — it’s a movement. A meeting of hearts, hands, and histories. A reminder that while instruments may evolve, the heartbeat of Zimbabwe’s music remains constant.

So, if you’ve ever felt the pull of the mbira — its hypnotic tones, its stories whispered through metal and wood — this is your moment. Join Hector Rufaro Mugani and the Zimbabwe College of Music as they keep the ancient fire burning and the melody of our heritage alive.

Registration is open to all. Bring your curiosity, your rhythm, and your spirit — the mbira will do the rest.