Mbira Junction / Simon Mashoko

　

Simon Mashoko

Simon Mashoko is a great man who played an active part in the history of postwar mbira. In the long history of mbira, it must be noted that he is the first person to play the mbira at a church, something that was forbidden in colonial times. It was considered by the colonialists as the sound of the devil. However, he confronted this mentality fused traditional music with the Christian religion. He began to play mbira at church every week on Sunday. In addition, his longtime achievement was praised at the NAMA Awards (Zimbabwean culture / arts prize) in 2004 and he was nominated for the special service prize.

© Paul F. Berliner "The Soul of Mbira"
Simon Mashoko of a young day

Mr.Mashoko uses the mbira Njari of 32 keys, different from mbira dza vadzimu of 24 keys which I introduce on this site. He still remains active although his activity has decreased with age. On the CD of the Explorer series "Shona Spirits," we can hear of recording of him at his prime.

　　　　

　
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	*Simon Mashoko*

Simon Mashoko is a great man who played an active part in the history of postwar mbira. In the long history of mbira, it must be noted that he is the first person to play the mbira at a church, something that was forbidden in colonial times. It was considered by the colonialists as the sound of the devil. However, he confronted this mentality fused traditional music with the Christian religion. He began to play mbira at church every week on Sunday. In addition, his longtime achievement was praised at the NAMA Awards (Zimbabwean culture / arts prize) in 2004 and he was nominated for the special service prize. © Paul F. Berliner "The Soul of Mbira" Simon Mashoko of a young day Mr.Mashoko uses the mbira Njari of 32 keys, different from mbira dza vadzimu of 24 keys which I introduce on this site. He still remains active although his activity has decreased with age. On the CD of the Explorer series "Shona Spirits," we can hear of recording of him at his prime.