by Kuda Rice
In the heart of Zimbabwe, traditional music remains a vital thread in a mosaic of cultural heritage, amidst a diverse range of musical styles. The mbira, a traditional instrument with a unique voice, has long symbolized Zimbabwean identity, storytelling, and culture. Its mesmerizing melodies have accompanied countless ceremonies and celebrations, weaving a sonic narrative that resonates deeply within the nation's collective soul.
Through the artistry of musicians like Mary Anibal, the mbira continues to be a relevant part of Zimbabwean music in contemporary times. The tones continue to evoke the complexities of Zimbabwe's past, present, and future, inviting listeners to explore the intricate contours of identity, culture, and belonging. This serves as a preservation of the Zimbabwean culture, which has always been rooted in the power of music and storytelling in building community.
Mary Anibal is a young Zimbabwean vocalist, mbira player and percussionist, who expresses herself authentically in this realm of African music, where tradition and innovation converge. Her artistry has been shining through brilliantly since she started her musical career in 2016. With numerous achievements, including winning awards, gaining popularity locally, and performing on prominent platforms such as Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA), Jacaranda Music Festival, and Habari Festival Africa in Toronto, Canada, Mary has been on an upward trajectory of success.
As a Music Crossroads alumna, Mary has honed her craft and connected with a global community of musicians committed to social change. Recently, she was appointed EU (European Union) Green and Gender Ambassador for the Global Gateway campaign, a prestigious role that recognizes her dedication to gender equality and environmental sustainability. Through her music, she will be amplifying these critical issues and inspiring action.
Mary's focus on awareness and advocacy for social justice issues and positive change is evident in her music. Her Afro-fusion style seamlessly blends folk, traditional, and contemporary elements, capturing the hearts of listeners from Harare to other African countries. In 2024 she headlined the Sauti Za Busara Festival in Zanzibar Tanzania and she performed at Masa Festival, in Abidjan Ivory Coast. Her soulful voice, masterful mbira playing, and inspiring lyrics have established her as a musician who is well on her way to becoming a leading voice in the African music scene.
The recent launch of her latest album, "Maria Wenyu", marks a significant milestone in Mary Anibal's illustrious musical career. The launch at Alliance Francaise was an unforgettable night, with diverse opening acts featuring marimba, soul, spoken word, and a dance-drum performance. When she took stage, Mary's captivating presence shone through, creating an intimate connection with the audience. Her Afro-centric sound, blending soulful, jazzy melodies with heartfelt lyrics, stirred the heart of the audience, and by the end of the night, she had the entire crowd moving and dancing along.
In this article, we embark on a journey to explore the world of Mary Anibal, delving into her creative process, inspirations, and the secrets behind her mesmerizing sound. We will discover the way she goes about her creative process and shaping her artistry, what influences her music, and the vision that drives her to continue pushing the boundaries of African music.
Kuda Rice: What drew you to playing mbira and to the genre of music that you do now?
Mary Anibal: I was drawn to playing the Mbira and the genre of music I now perform because of the instrument's uniqueness. I first encountered the Mbira in high school and was captivated by its distinctive sound. Few were playing it at the time, like Chiwoniso Maraire, Ambuya Stella Chiweshe, and Hope Masike, and I felt compelled to contribute to elevating our cultural heritage to new heights.
KR: Can you share a specific experience or story that inspired a song on your new album?
MA: The song "Vana Ava,” which translates to “These are Children,” on my new album was inspired by the disturbing increase in child abuse and child marriages in 2022. Witnessing this crisis deeply affected me, prompting me to address these pressing issues through my music.
KR: How do you balance innovation and tradition in your music, and what drives your creative decisions?
MA: Balancing innovation and tradition in my music is driven by the stories and life experiences within my community. When I interact with people and hear their stories, I often find phrases or themes that resonate deeply. The Mbira becomes a conduit for expressing these narratives. I draw on tradition to honor our cultural heritage while innovating to give voice to contemporary issues and emotions. This balance guides my creative decisions, allowing me to create music that is both rooted in tradition and relevant to modern concerns.
KR: Your music often carries powerful messages about identity, community, and social issues. What motivates you to address these themes through your art?
MA: I am motivated to address themes of identity, community, and social issues through my music because of the silence and suffering I witness in my community. Many people are afraid to speak out about their struggles, such as gender-based violence, which leads to immense pain and even death. I want to give voice to the voiceless and raise awareness through my art. If no one else talks about these issues, who will?
KR: How do you see your music growing on the African landscape, and what impact do you hope to make?
MA: I envision my music resonating across the African landscape and beyond because the themes I address are universal and relevant globally. Issues like gender-based violence and child rights affect communities worldwide, and through my music, I aim to raise awareness and provoke positive change. Collaborating with organizations such as the United Nations, UNICEF, HIVOS, Msasa project, and Childline would amplify our efforts, extending the reach and impact of our messages to create meaningful societal change.
KR: Can you walk us through your songwriting process, and how do you approach crafting lyrics that resonate with listeners from different cultures and languages?
MA: My songwriting process begins with stories, words or themes, drawing from personal experiences or impactful events in my community. For instance, the song "Gogoride" was inspired by the tragic story of Tapiwa Makore, whose sacrifice for ritual purposes by his family affected me deeply. Sometimes a story such as this incites a melody within, guiding me to craft a song.
I focus on themes and emotions that are relatable across different cultures, ensuring that the essence of the message is clear and impactful. By staying true to authentic stories and emotions, I strive to create music that connects deeply with listeners from diverse backgrounds.
KR: You were recently appointed as the EU Green and Gender Ambassador for the Global Gateway campaign, what does this new journey mean for you?
MA: Being appointed as the EU Green and Gender Ambassador for the Global Gateway campaign marks a significant alignment with my ongoing work. Through my music and initiatives like the #EUWithYou campaign, I advocate for the empowerment of girls and women facing gender-based violence, particularly in Zimbabwe. This new role allows me to further amplify these efforts and collaborate closely with the EU's vision for sustainable development and gender equality. It is an opportunity to leverage music as a powerful tool for social change on a broader scale.
KR: What advice would you give to young Zimbabwean musicians, particularly women, who aspire to follow in your footsteps and make a mark on the global music scene?
MA: To young Zimbabwean musicians, especially women, aspiring to make a mark on the global music scene, here is my advice: Education is crucial. While talent is a gift, nurturing it through music education is essential for growth. Remember, "you don’t know it all, until you get to understand that you don’t know anything." Trust in God and cultivate a side hustle that can support and reinvest in your music career. Stay dedicated, persistent, and true to your passion—these qualities will guide you towards achieving your goals in the competitive music industry.
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