Mbira Music of Zimbabwe: ‘Samaita’ Vitalis Botsa with Erica Azim

Incredible Zimbabwean master musician ‘Samaita’ Vitalis Botsa creates gorgeous
waves of sound with his mbira to connect the living with the ancestors. He says,
“I’m just the car, it’s the spirits doing the driving, making the music.” Botsa is
visiting from his village in Zimbabwe to tour playing duets with Erica Azim,
presenting a very traditional form of the sacred music played in Zimbabwe for
over 1,000 years.

Mbira is a musical instrument with metal keys plucked by two thumbs and one
forefinger, creating relaxing yet invigorating polyphony and polyrhythm.
Musicians play interlocking parts., and the tradition includes vast improvisation.
Century after century, the mbira instrument and its repertoire of classic songs
have been used in Zimbabwe to heal the sick and call family ancestors and
powerful tribal guardian spirits to earth to help the living, in night-long to weeklong
ceremonies. Every time the mbira is played, it is considered a prayer to
the ancestors, which will result in their protection of the living.

Community ensemble, Samanyanga Mbira Group will be playing outside the Recital Hall from 6:45 to 7:15 offering an up close look at the art of mbira.

Tickets

$15 General
$10 Seniors
Admission is free for all students with valid student ID, under 18

The concert takes place in the Recital Hall, located on the ground floor of the Classroom Building, 71 Loring Avenue.

Parking for this concert is available in the campus lot located directly across the street from 71 Loring Avenue.