The Head of Pedagogy at MCA Zimbabwe, recently visited the Zimbabwe Higher Grade Music Academy in Mbare. The centre works with children and youths aged 3 to 15 years old. Directed by established guitarist Ras Bravo Kura-I Mukaro and Coordinated by keyboardist Masimba Rashirai, the Academy, situated in the heart of Mbare, is currently working with 50 junior musical talents and runs a weekly schedule of performance rehearsals which culminate to 3 national concerts a year.
The day of the visit, there was a Talent Showcase concert that featured 20 young musicians. The Head of Pedagogy at MCA Zimbabwe was very impressed with the talented students. Including the outstanding 11 year old guitarist Morgan Masango, remarkable 9 year old vocalist Tatenda Gamure, glamorous Nyunganyunga player and singer Omega Tsvakaishe Mukaro, 10 years old mbira player Yeukai Zarima and 7 years old Descant Recorder player, Yeukai Zarima.
Mbare is a busy high density suburb located a couple of km from the city centre. Mbare is to date the home and origin of renowned guitarist Louis Mhlanga, remarkable guitarist and producer Isaac Chirwa, reggae icon Culture T, singer, comedian and theatre great, Safirio Madzikatire, reputable percussionist Kenny Neshamba, Chimurenga icon Thomas Mapfumo just to mention a few. The need for a systematic, structured music skills and performance oriented program, like offered at the Zimbabwe Higher Grade Music Academy has been apparent since its inception.
MCA Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Higher Grade Music Academy have planned many collaborate activities in the near future. The academy will co-perform at the Music Crossroads Academy Second Term Opening Concert set for Thursday the 17th of September 2015 at the Academy located on 10 Natal Road, Belgravia.
