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Art and Music in Zimbabwe

Shona stone sculpture and traditional mbira instrument

Zimbabwe boasts an extraordinarily rich artistic heritage that continues to evolve and gain international recognition. From the world-famous Shona stone sculptures to the soul-stirring sounds of mbira music, Zimbabwean artists have developed distinctive styles that reflect both ancient traditions and contemporary innovations.

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Visual Arts

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Stone Sculpture

Zimbabwe’s most internationally renowned art form:

Origins and Development:

  • Contemporary movement began in the 1950s at Tengenenge Sculpture Community

  • Mentored by Frank McEwen at the National Gallery Workshop School

  • Deep roots in traditional Shona spiritual beliefs and aesthetics

  • Rapid international recognition from 1960s onwards

  • Second and third generations now building on founders’ legacy

  • Works featured in major museums worldwide

Characteristics:

  • Primarily carved from serpentine stone and verdite

  • Range from palm-sized pieces to monumental works

  • Abstract yet expressive human and animal forms

  • Spiritual themes exploring relationship between humans and nature

  • Minimal use of tools, allowing stone’s natural properties to guide the work

  • Each stone believed to have its own spirit that influences the final form

  • Polished and unpolished surfaces often contrasted in single works

Major Artists:

  • First generation masters: Nicholas Mukomberanwa, Henry Munyaradzi, Bernard Matemera

  • Contemporary masters: Dominic Benhura, Sylvester Mubayi, Agnes Nyanhongo

  • Rising talents: Gideon Nyanhongo, Rufaro Murenza, Liberty Shuro

Where to See and Purchase:

  • Harare: Chapungu Sculpture Park, National Gallery, Matombo Gallery

  • Tengenenge: Artist community near Guruve

  • Victoria Falls: Craft markets and dedicated galleries

  • Prices: Range from $50 for small pieces to thousands for major works

  • Shipping: Most galleries arrange international shipping

  • Authenticity: Always request certificates of authenticity

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Painting and Contemporary Art

Contemporary Painting

Zimbabwe’s evolving painting tradition:

Historical Development:

  • Formal painting traditions introduced through colonial mission schools

  • Early focus on realistic depictions of daily life

  • 1980s independence sparked new creative freedom

  • Growing abstract and experimental approaches

  • Increasing international exhibition opportunities

Key Art Movements:

  • Cyrene Mission School realism

  • Post-independence political expressionism

  • Contemporary abstract and conceptual approaches

  • Diasporic Zimbabwean art examining identity

Notable Painters:

  • Richard Witikani

  • Luis Meque

  • Helen Lieros

  • Portia Zvavahera

  • Virginia Chihota

  • Misheck Masamvu

Where to Experience:

  • National Gallery of Zimbabwe (Harare)

  • Gallery Delta (Harare)

  • National Gallery in Bulawayo

Mixed Media & Installation

Growing contemporary scene:

Current Trends:

  • Increasing use of found objects and recycled materials

  • Political and social commentary through art

  • Integration of traditional symbols with contemporary issues

  • Exploration of environmental themes

  • Digital art and new media emerging

Notable Artists:

  • Tapfuma Gutsa (mixed media sculpture)

  • Masimba Hwati (installation and performance)

  • Berry Bickle (multimedia works)

  • Gareth Nyandoro (paper-based installations)

  • Chikonzero Chazunguza (printmaking and mixed media)

Exhibition Spaces:

  • First Floor Gallery (Harare)

  • Village Unhu (Harare)

  • National Gallery of Zimbabwe

  • Dzimbanhete Arts Interactions (outside Harare)

  • Temporary and pop-up exhibitions

Traditional Crafts

Functional art with deep cultural roots:

Basketry:

  • Distinctive regional styles and techniques

  • Natural fibers like ilala palm and sisal

  • Complex patterns with symbolic meanings

  • Traditional and contemporary designs

  • Practical items with decorative elements

Pottery:

  • Hand-built traditional methods

  • Decorative and functional pieces

  • Regional styles with distinctive patterns

  • Fire-blackened finish in some traditions

Textile Arts:

  • Hand-woven cloth

  • Tie-dye techniques

  • Embroidery and beadwork

  • Appliqué and patchwork

Where to Find:

  • Craft markets throughout Zimbabwe

  • Women’s cooperatives in rural areas

  • Weya Women’s Community near Rusape

Wood Carving

Long-standing tradition combining function and art:

Traditional Items:

  • Headrests (mutsago)

  • Ceremonial staffs and walking sticks

  • Bowls and serving items

  • Doors and furniture with relief carving

Styles and Regions:

  • Elaborate spirit figures from Tonga regions

  • Abstract animal forms from eastern regions

  • Realistic wildlife carvings for tourist market

  • Traditional and contemporary approaches

Woods Used:

  • Mukwa (native teak)

  • Ebony and blackwood

  • Jacaranda (introduced species)

  • Sustainable harvesting increasingly important

Where to Purchase:

  • Craft markets in all major cities

  • Roadside sellers on major routes

  • Specialist craft shops in tourist areas

  • Custom commissions through artist cooperatives

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Art Galleries and Museums

Key venues to experience Zimbabwean art:

National Gallery of Zimbabwe (Harare)

  • Premier institution showcasing Zimbabwean art

  • Permanent collection of historical and contemporary works

  • Rotating exhibitions of national and international artists

  • Sculpture garden with significant permanent pieces

  • Educational programs and workshops

  • Location: 20 Julius Nyerere Way, Harare

  • Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 9am-1pm

National Gallery in Bulawayo

  • Branch focusing on artists from Matabeleland

  • Regional artistic styles and perspectives

  • Exhibition space for emerging local artists

  • Cultural and historical exhibitions

  • Located in historic building in Bulawayo

  • Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9am-4:30pm, Sunday 9am-1pm

Gallery Delta

  • Contemporary art focus in historic house

  • Cutting-edge exhibitions and installations

  • Support for experimental and emerging artists

  • Regular exhibition openings and events

  • Location: 110 Livingstone Avenue, Harare

  • Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 9am-1pm

Tengenenge Sculpture Community

  • Working artist community north of Harare

  • Over 300 artists living and creating on site

  • Outdoor gallery of thousands of sculptures

  • Opportunity to meet artists at work

  • Workshops and demonstrations

  • Location: Near Guruve, 150km from Harare

  • Hours: Daily 8am-5pm

First Floor Gallery Harare

  • Contemporary art with international connections

  • Young and mid-career artist focus

  • Modern exhibition space in downtown Harare

  • Regular new exhibitions and art events

  • Location: 2nd Floor, Karigamombe Centre, Harare

  • Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 10am-2pm

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Music Traditions

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Traditional Music

Mbira Music

Sacred and social thumb piano tradition:

The Instrument:

  • Metal keys mounted on wooden soundboard

  • Played with thumbs and forefingers

  • Various types including nhare, nyunga nyunga, matepe

  • Often placed in resonator (deze) for amplification

  • Sometimes with bottle caps or shells as buzzers

Cultural Significance:

  • Central to Shona spiritual ceremonies

  • Used in bira ceremonies to contact ancestors

  • Believed to facilitate spirit possession

  • Also played for social entertainment

  • Handed down through generations

Key Performers:

  • Traditional: Hakurotwi Mude, Ephat Mujuru

  • Contemporary: Forward Kwenda, Stella Chiweshe

  • Fusion: Chiwoniso Maraire, Hope Masike

Where to Experience:

  • Mbira Centre in Harare

  • Cultural villages near Great Zimbabwe

  • Traditional ceremonies in rural areas

  • Fusion performances at urban venues

Drumming Traditions

Rhythmic foundations of Zimbabwean music:

Types of Drums:

  • Ngoma: Conical wooden drums

  • Hosho: Gourd rattles accompanying drums

  • Mhande: Ceremonial drums for specific rituals

  • Muchongoyo: Dance drums from eastern regions

Cultural Contexts:

  • Royal court celebrations

  • Harvest festivals and agricultural ceremonies

  • Spirit possession ceremonies

  • Life-cycle celebrations (birth, coming-of-age, marriage)

Regional Variations:

  • Tonga ngoma mutwiw from Zambezi Valley

  • Ndebele isitshikitsha dance rhythms

  • Shangaan fast-paced drum patterns

  • Korekore ritual drumming styles

Where to Experience:

  • Traditional villages throughout Zimbabwe

  • Cultural centers in major cities

  • HIFA and other festivals

  • Bira ceremonies (with appropriate permission)

Vocal Traditions

Rich heritage of vocal music:

Traditional Styles:

  • Call and response work songs

  • Lullabies and children’s game songs

  • Praise poetry (izibongo/nhetembo)

  • Wedding songs and ceremonial chants

Modern Extensions:

  • Church choral traditions

  • School competition choirs

  • A cappella township groups

  • Vocal jazz ensembles

Notable Groups:

  • Black Umfolosi (Ndebele a cappella)

  • Insingizi (male vocal trio)

  • Nobuntu (female a cappella)

  • Zimbabwe College of Music choirs

Where to Experience:

  • Church services (especially Apostolic and Methodist)

  • Community gatherings in rural areas

  • School competitions

  • Cultural centers and festivals

Dance Traditions

Movement and music inseparably linked:

Key Dance Styles:

  • Jerusarema/Mbende (UNESCO recognized)

  • Muchongoyo (ceremonial war dance)

  • Isitshikitsha (Ndebele celebratory dance)

  • Dinhe (harvest celebration dance)

  • Shangara (Kalanga community dance)

Characteristics:

  • Intricate footwork

  • Call and response patterns

  • Integration of instruments and movement

  • Specific costumes and implements

  • Gender-specific movements in some traditions

Modern Adaptations:

  • National dance companies

  • School cultural troupes

  • Contemporary choreographers’ reinterpretations

  • Fusion with modern dance forms

Where to Experience:

  • Drums of Peace performances

  • National dance company shows

  • Cultural villages

  • HIFA and other festivals

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Contemporary Music Scenes

Zimbabwe’s diverse modern music landscape:

Chimurenga Music

  • Revolutionary music pioneered by Thomas Mapfumo

  • Blending traditional mbira with modern instruments

  • Political and social commentary in lyrics

  • Complex interlocking guitar patterns mimicking mbira

  • Distinctive sound recognized worldwide

  • Key artists: Thomas Mapfumo, Comrade Fatso, Stella Chiweshe

Jit and Sungura

  • Fast-paced, guitar-driven popular styles

  • Emerged in the 1980s post-independence

  • Energetic dance rhythms and vocal harmonies

  • Often sung in Shona with cultural storytelling

  • Extremely popular throughout rural and urban Zimbabwe

  • Key artists: Alick Macheso, Tongai Moyo, Leonard Zhakata

Afro-Jazz and Fusion

  • Blending traditional elements with jazz instrumentation

  • Sophisticated arrangements and improvisational elements

  • International appeal while maintaining Zimbabwean identity

  • Pioneer Oliver Mtukudzi developed distinctive “Tuku Music”

  • Growing female artist representation

  • Key artists: Oliver Mtukudzi, Dorothy Masuka, Victor Kunonga, Jazz Invitation

Urban Contemporary

  • Hip-hop, R&B, dancehall influences

  • Known locally as “Urban Grooves”

  • Emerged in early 2000s with younger generation

  • Often mixing English, Shona, and Ndebele lyrics

  • Digital production and distribution dominant

  • Key artists: Winky D, Jah Prayzah, ExQ, Ammara Brown

Gospel Music

  • Enormously popular across Zimbabwe

  • Mega-churches fostering musical talent

  • Range from traditional hymnal styles to contemporary

  • Crossover appeal to secular audiences

  • Major commercial success domestically

  • Key artists: Charles Charamba, Blessing Shumba, Janet Manyowa

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Music Venues and Experiences

Where to experience Zimbabwean music:

Harare Music Venues:

  • Maestro Restaurant & Bar: Regular live bands and jazz

  • Book Café: When operating, diverse musical programming

  • Jameson Hotel: Jazz sessions and bands

  • Private member clubs: Regular weekend performances

  • Hotel bars: Especially Meikles and Rainbow Towers

Bulawayo Music Venues:

  • Bulawayo Theatre: Concerts and performances

  • The Smokehouse: Blues and jazz nights

  • Horizon Bar: Weekend live bands

  • City Hall: Classical and choral concerts

Victoria Falls:

  • Boma Dinner and Drum Show: Interactive drumming experience

  • Victoria Falls Hotel: Occasional live music

  • Shearwater Café: Weekend performances

  • Victoria Falls Safari Lodge: Seasonal musical events

Music Festivals:

  • Harare International Festival of the Arts (April/May)

  • Miombo Magic Festival (August/September)

  • Victoria Falls Carnival (December 29-31)

  • Zimpraise Gospel Festival (varies)

  • Spring Strings classical music festival (September)

Interactive Music Experiences:

  • Mbira workshops in Harare (check Mbira Centre)

  • Drum workshops at cultural centers

  • Traditional instrument making demonstrations

  • Dance lessons available through tour operators

  • Studio visits with contemporary musicians

  • Community music circles in townships

Recording Heritage:

  • Zimbabwe Music Rights Association archive

  • Ethnomusicology collection at Zimbabwe College of Music

  • Field recordings of traditional ceremonies

  • Digitization efforts of historical musical heritage

  • Oral history project documenting musical evolution

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Finding Authentic Music and Art

How to experience Zimbabwe’s vibrant artistic culture:

Live Music Venues:

  • Book Café (Harare): When operating, the premier venue for diverse musical performances

  • Maestro’s (Harare): Regular jazz and contemporary music

  • The Smokehouse (Bulawayo): Blues and jazz-focused venue

  • Victoria Falls Hotel Terrace: Occasional traditional performances

  • Alliance Française (Harare): Cultural performances and concerts

  • Private member clubs: Weekend performances in major cities

Arts Festivals:

  • Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA): Premier arts event in April/May

  • Bulawayo Arts Festival: Celebration of Matabeleland culture in June

  • Intwasa Arts Festival: Bulawayo’s spring celebration in September

  • Shoko Festival: Hip-hop and urban culture in September

  • Zimbabwe International Film Festival: Screenings across the country in August

Finding Traditional Music:

  • Rural Growth Points: Weekend gatherings with traditional music

  • Cultural Villages: Regular performances for visitors

  • Bira Ceremonies: Sacred music events (requires appropriate connections/permission)

  • Specialized Tour Operators: Can arrange authentic music experiences

  • Community Centers: Often host local performance groups

Contemporary Art Galleries:

  • First Floor Gallery (Harare): Cutting-edge contemporary work

  • National Gallery: Both Harare and Bulawayo branches

  • Gallery Delta (Harare): Housed in historic building with diverse exhibitions

  • Village Unhu (Harare): Artist collective and exhibition space

  • Dzimbanhete Arts Center: Outside Harare, focus on traditional influences

Sculpture Communities:

  • Tengenenge: Major sculptor community (150km north of Harare)

  • Chapungu Sculpture Park (Harare): Outdoor exhibition space

  • Dominic Benhura Studio: Open to visitors by appointment

  • Harare Botanical Gardens: Outdoor sculpture exhibitions

  • Roadside sculpture markets: Along major routes (quality varies)

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Art and Music Shopping

Music Purchases

Where to buy Zimbabwean music:

  • Eastgate Mall record shops (Harare)

  • Spin Record Bar branches in major cities

  • African Drums shop in Doon Estate (Harare)

  • Mbira Centre for traditional instruments

  • Concert venues selling performer recordings

  • Digital platforms: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube

Recommended Artists to Start With:

  • Oliver Mtukudzi (Afro-jazz legend)

  • Thomas Mapfumo (Chimurenga music pioneer)

  • Stella Chiweshe (mbira queen)

  • Jah Prayzah (contemporary fusion)

  • Mokoomba (Victoria Falls-based fusion group)

  • Hope Masike (contemporary mbira)

Art Purchases

Buying authentic Zimbabwean art:

  • Gallery shops: National Gallery, Gallery Delta

  • Doon Estate (Harare): Upscale craft center

  • Weya Craft Center (eastern Zimbabwe)

  • Avondale Flea Market (Harare): Mid-range crafts

  • Curio markets: All tourist areas (quality varies)

  • Artist studios: Direct purchases by arrangement

Authenticating Art:

  • Request certificates of authenticity for major pieces

  • Established galleries provide provenance information

  • Direct artist contact ideal for serious collectors

  • Consider export regulations for larger items

  • Shipping services available for larger purchases

Instrument Shopping

Finding traditional and modern instruments:

  • Mbira: Various types available from makers

  • Drums: Custom-made through cultural centers

  • Shakers & rattles: Markets and craft centers

  • Marimba: Custom orders through music schools

  • Contemporary instruments: Music stores in malls

Considerations:

  • Some instruments require export permits

  • Quality varies significantly

  • Consider playability vs. decorative value

  • Authentic instruments may require demonstration

  • Custom commissions often possible

Craft Workshops

Learning traditional arts and crafts:

  • Basketry workshops: Eastern Highlands region

  • Pottery classes: Harare and Bulawayo art centers

  • Textile printing: Various cultural centers

  • Beadwork instruction: Particularly in Bulawayo

  • Wood carving demonstrations: Artist communities

Workshop Booking:

  • Arrange through accommodations

  • Cultural centers take direct bookings

  • Tour operators can customize experiences

  • Multi-day options available for serious learners

  • Many include materials to take home

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Learn Before You Go

Resources for understanding Zimbabwe’s artistic heritage:

Books:

  • “Zimbabwean Stone Sculpture” by Celia Winter-Irving

  • “Shona Ritual” by Paul Berliner (on mbira music)

  • “Township Music from Zimbabwe” by Banning Eyre

  • “Made in Zimbabwe” by Christine Sylvester

  • “The Story of Mbira” by Paul Berliner

Documentaries:

  • “Mbira: Spirit of the People”

  • “Master Chisellers”

  • “Tuku Music” (About Oliver Mtukudzi)

  • “Lion’s Den” (Documenting chimurenga music)

  • “The Music of Stella Chiweshe”

Online Resources:

  • Zimbabwe Music Archive (digital collection)

  • Africa University ethnomusicology database

  • National Gallery of Zimbabwe virtual collections

  • YouTube channels featuring traditional performances

  • Podcast series on Zimbabwean art history

Music to Listen To:

  • “Chimurenga Singles Collection” - Thomas Mapfumo

  • “Tuku Music” - Oliver Mtukudzi

  • “Talking Mbira: Spirits of the People” - Forward Kwenda

  • “Tsunami” - Mokoomba

  • “The Traveller” - Stella Chiweshe

  • “Sadza With The Head of a Mouse” - The Bhundu Boys

Art & Music Tip: When visiting sculpture parks or studios, go in the morning hours when artists are often working. Not only will you get to see the creative process, but many sculptors are more willing to discuss their techniques and inspirations while working. This creates a more meaningful connection than simply purchasing finished pieces.