Zimbabwean music is heavily reliant on the use of instruments such as the mbira, Ngoma drums and hosho. Their music symbolizes much more than a simple rhythm, as the folk and pop style styled music was used as a symbol of hope for Zimbabweans looking to gain independence from Rhodesia. Music has played a significant role in the history of Zimbabwe, from a vital role in the traditional Bira ceremony used to call on ancestral spirits, to protest songs during the struggle for independence. The community in Zimbabwe used music to voice their resistance to their oppression, as one of the only weapons they had available to fight back with. In the eighties, the Music of Zimbabwe was at the center of the African Music scene thanks to genres such as Sungura and Jit. However, several performers were banned by state TV and radio leading to the closing of several music venues.
Shona music is the music of the Shona people of Zimbabwe. There are several different types of traditional Shona music including mbira, singing, hosho and drumming. Very often, this music will be accompanied by dancing, and participation by the audience. In Shona music, there is little distinction between the performer and the audience, both are often actively involved in the music-making, and both are important in the religious ceremonies where Shona Music is often heard.
Chiwoniso Maraire was a Zimbabwean singer, songwriter, and exponent of Zimbabwean mbira music. She was the daughter of Zimbabwean mbira master and teacher Dumisani Maraire. Describing the mbira, an instrument traditionally used by male musicians, she said, "It is like a large xylophone. It is everywhere in Africa under different names: sanza, kalimba, etc. For us in Zimbabwe it is the name for many string instruments. There are many kinds of mbiras. The one that I play is called the nyunga nyunga, which means sparkle-sparkle."
Winky D, born Wallace Chirumiko is a Zimbabwean reggae-dancehall artist, known popularly as "The Big Man", and also known as Dancehall Igwe, Gaffa, Proffesor, Extraterrestrial etc. He is often considered the Zimdancehall pioneer. He was born in Kambuzuma, a high density suburb in Zimbabwe's capital, Harare. He was also a presenter for the Rockers Vibes programme that was an all reggae programme, together with Trevor Hall.
Victor Kunonga is a Zimbabwean award-winning Afro-jazz singer and songwriter. Though having come to light in 2004, Victor quickly rose to fame with his first two albums and was a household name by 2007.
Louis Mhlanga is a Zimbabwean artist based in South Africa, an award-winning guitarist and producer. Mhlanga taught himself to play the guitar at a young age and is considered one of the best Southern African guitarists.
Theo Thomson is a Malawian born singer, songwriter. Thomson is owner of the Blantyre-based Matalala Recording Studio. He lived in the UK, where he gained an interest in music with rapid artists productions performing and moved back to Malawi to expand his music career. His father is a former DJ and owner of Fm 101 Power radio Oscar Thomson. He is also the grandson of former Malawian Minister of Trade and Industry, Harry Thomson.
Takunda Mafika was a Zimbabwean musician and teacher living in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Peter Mujuru, known by his mononym Mashasha, is a Zimbabwean musician, bass guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer based in the UK. He is widely regarded as an original and important new voice in African music. His debut studio album, Mashasha, which was released by Elegwa Music in 2011; it was acclaimed by critics internationally and won a Zimbabwe Music and Arts (ZIMAA) award for Best Album.
Mukudzeyi Mukombe, who performs under the stage name Jah Prayzah, is a Zimbabwean contemporary musician and lead member of the band Third Generation. He is popularly referred to by fans and media as "Musoja", the Shona word for "soldier", a name he earned mostly because of his signature band uniform of military regalia. The name "Jah Prayzah" comes from his name, "Mukudzeyi", which means "Praise Him".
John Cole is a Zimbabwean choreographer and performing artist.
Zimbabwe Achievers Awards (Z.A.A.) also referred to as Zim Achievers Awards is an awards ceremony that seeks to recognise Zimbabweans based in the diaspora for outstanding and notable achievements. Among the awards recipients include Hollywood actress Danai Gurira of The Walking Dead TV Series, and Black Panther; Chipo Chung as well as Luthuli Dhlamini of South Africa's TV Series Generations.
Tinashe Mutarisi is a Zimbabwean businessman. He is the founder and Chairman of Nash Paints, one of the top paint manufacturing and distribution companies in Zimbabwe which is a subsidiary of NASH Holdings. He was listed on Ngoda Business Most Influential Entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe Under-40.
Gary Tight is a Zimbabwean Afro-pop artist. He is the son of Zimbabwean Afro-Jazz musician Willom Tight. Tight rose to countrywide prominence as a mentee of the late Dr Oliver Mtukudzi.
Ivy Kombo-Kasi is a Zimbabwean gospel music artist and lawyer based in the United Kingdom. She is also co-founder of Nguva Yakwana Gospel Show.
Admire Kasi is a Zimbabwean gospel music producer and promoter who rose to prominence when he launched the first gospel festival in Zimbabwe, Nguva Yakwana Gospel Concert.
Sandra Ndebele is a Zimbabwean musician, dancer and actress.
