Mukhambira

Note: Under Construction!

Skill/Knowledge Transmission

We do exist today, because those who came before us gave us a chance to exist. They shared their knowledge and experiences with us. Therefore, we should not break this process.  

 We should not betray Humanity! We should, likewise, be  knowledge and skill producers and conveyers for those who follow us!

Just like research, skill transmission has been always a first priority in Mukhambira, as our strategy to safeguard/keep culture alive, but above all, to build a relevant and sustainable musical culture whereby traditional music is the theme, verse, and chorus of the song of life. 

Mukhambira has taken an avant-guard role, addressing the challenges that shadow our vision, by sharing its experience and findings that light the way forward through the networking of knowledge sources and seekers. This way, Mukhambira  initiated a process which has produced a vibrant mbira culture, and in general, of (traditional-contemporary) musical instrument construction and use in Maputo.

This movement has been  spreading out through the whole country. At the beginning the project comprised four member, namely: Luka Mukhavele, as the leading researcher; Ivan Mucavele as the assistant, and Pedro Justino, Betinho (Nyarira), and later on Ozias Macoo, also joined; and, like the others, in a "learn in the job" style of learning, as assistants. Not forgetting, however, Xakada, as a strategist, who has always contributed very sharp insights in intrinsic moments.

Mukhambira's engagement awakened the dormant interest of many, who direct/indirectly followed the movement.  Two years later, almost each one of the above disciples/assistants had already become an independent music instrument builder, with their own workshops where they trained others, being the first, Ivan, who avidly reclaims his acknowledgement as the trainer of Xitaro and  the Wakambira guys. However, a son of the house, Ivan did not delay to resume his duties as a Mukhambira in the true sense of the term. 

Ozias Macoo and Micas Simabo, two students of Mukhambira discussing the hook cutting technique July 30, 2012 at 9:49 AM