Story by Farai Gwaze
A long-awaited duet between the late mbira music icon Chiwoniso Maraire and veteran poet Chirikure Chirikure is finally set to be released on the 28th of June, 15 years after it was originally recorded in 2008.
Titled Chimanimani, the album faced numerous delays due to financial constraints and studio complications, which were further compounded by the untimely passing of Chiwoniso in 2013.
Contributor Chirikure Chirikure revealed that the album’s release has been made possible through collaboration with music producer Keith Farquharson and his Bridgenorth Studio.
“It has taken so long because many factors came into play. Firstly, the finances and studio expenses consumed most of our resources. Then I had to attend a programme in Germany, and during that time, Chiwoniso sadly passed away. The original studio eventually shut down, and it took time to trace the engineers and retrieve the material,” he said.
“We then sat down with Keith Farquharson with his new studio Bridgenorth who readily took the product onboard and so we are going to publish it under the Bridgenorth label.”
Proceeds from the album will be shared fairly, with Chiwoniso’s estate, managed by her daughter Chengeto Maraire Brown, set to receive its due share.
Chirikure says it is a joint production and as such Chiwoniso will get her fair share of any proceeds which come through from the album.
“As things stand Chengeto is the one who has the estate of her mother. Chengeto Maraire Brown will be receiving any proceeds that come through from the album. We have all the paperwork being prepared by the studio and relevant authorities like ZIMURA we will also be approaching them,” he added.
The album’s release is a tribute to Chiwoniso’s rich musical legacy.
The Zimbabwean singer, songwriter and exponent of mbira music was the daughter of Zimbabwean mbira master and teacher, Dumisani Maraire.
She died in July 2013.
